The children had finished their lunch and were upstairs in their rooms. Georg was in his study contemplating what to say to the Reverend Mother when he visits the abbey. His hope was that she could get Maria to talk to him. He had to tell her how he felt. No matter what Elsa had said, he would never get over her as she had put it. He was in love with her and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. How could he make her believe him? How can he show her that his intentions are honorable?
Flowers, that wouldn't work, a gift, that wouldn't work either. He needs something that would show her that his love for her was eternal. Just then it hit him. He knows what to do. He just had to hope his good friend still owned the little shop in town. Looking through his personal phone book he found the number.
"Good afternoon, is this Hans? Hans I was hoping you were still there, it's Georg Von Trapp. Yes I am fine and you. Good to here. I was wondering if I could come by, in fact I will be leaving in a couple of minutes. You will. Thank you I really appreciate it. See you soon" Georg hangs up the phone and heads out of the study.
"Georg, I see you are awake" Max says as he comes over to him.
"Max, good your back, I need you to keep an eye on the children, I am going into town and should be back shortly" Georg says as he heads out the door.
"Georg, wait! He yells as he watches his friend leave.
"What on earth has gotten into him? Max says
"Uncle Max, your home! Leisl says as she comes down the stairs.
"Leisl do you know what is going on? I just ran into your father and he left out of here like he was going to a fire"
Leisl proceeded to tell Max everything she knew.
"So Elsa has gone back to Vienna and Fraulein Maria went back to the Abbey. Well I guess I missed a lot of things when I went up to my room last night. I asked your Fraulein to join us for dinner last night and when she didn't show up I just thought she changed her mind".
"Oh Uncle Max it's just awful. We tried to see Fraulein Maria today but according to Sister Margaretta she isn't seeing anyone. All we wanted was to talk to her. I can only hope that Father will be able to get her to come back. In fact I haven't seen him, have you seen him"
"He just left in a big hurry. He didn't tell me where he was going only that he would be back shortly and asked me to look after all of you. I have an idea why don't you get your brothers and sisters and we will have a game of blind man's bluff. It will pass the time until your father comes back"
"I'll go get them but I'm not sure they will want to play" she says going back upstairs.
Georg parks the car and heads into the store.
"Georg, it's so good to see you again. It's been a long time" Hans says as he shakes Georgs hand.
"Hans, thank you for waiting. Now down to business. I am looking for something very special. I don't want anything too big, simple but elegant" Georg says as he looks in the case.
"I think I have a few rings that fit that description. She must be someone very special"
"Yes Hans she is special and hopefully when she sees it she will agree to be my wife"
Hans goes into the back of the store and brings out a small tray. Georg examines each ring looking for the perfect one. His eyes fall on one particular ring. The diamond is round with small sapphires surrounding it. The design is elegant without being gaudy. Perfect, he thinks, at least he hopes she will think so too.
Georg hands the ring to Hans "this is the one Hans"
"It's a beautiful choice Georg, I designed this one myself. Hans says as he places it in a blue velvet box.
"Thank you my friend" Georg says as he places the ring in his pocket. Georg pays for the ring, shakes Hans' hand and heads out the door. He gets back in the car unaware that Maria is standing across the square waiting for the bus.
He pulls back into the driveway and parks the car in the garage. As he heads to the house he hears his children. They are singing. He recognizes the song as the one Maria was singing the night of the thunderstorm. While Max is trying his best to get them to enjoy the song he can tell they are missing her horribly. It's just not the same.
They stop when they see their father.
"Please don't stop" he says looking at them.
"Your back Georg, I asked them to sing for me" Max says as he goes over to Georg.
"Father did you see her? Leisl asks hoping that's where he has been.
Seeing his children's hopeful faces he regretfully says "I'm sorry children, I didn't go to the abbey. I am planning to go in the morning. Hopefully I will bring her back to us"
"Now why don't all of you go back inside, get cleaned up and we will have dinner" he says gathering them up and motioning to Max to take them inside.
He watches as his children reluctantly head back inside. He walks back down the steps and towards the lake. He looks over and sees the rowboat, remembering the day she made him see that his children needed him. No one had ever talked to him that way, well no one since Agathe. The fire in her eyes when she spoke to him about his children and how they were growing up before his eyes. Oh how he missed those eyes. He walks slowly to the gazebo and sits on the bench. He smiles when he remembers the night he heard the commotion coming from her room. She didn't know it but he had been in the hallway listening to the song she was singing. Trying to remember the words he quietly begins to sing.
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Maria decides to go to the back of the house, hoping the children would be outside. She knows that they usually are out back spending time with their father. Her heart begins to pound just thinking about seeing him again. Will he be angry that she left, will he forgive her for not saying goodbye, especially to the children? She slowly walks through the garden and stops as she faintly hears a familiar song. The voice gets stronger as she walks closer to the house.
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
She walks a little faster as she recognizes his baritone voice. She sees a figure on the bench just outside of the gazebo. His back is to her and he cannot see that she is moving closer.
Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels.
Door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles,
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings,
These are a few of my favorite things,
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes,
Snowflakes that, snowflakes that.. I can't remember
Maria starts to sing
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into spring
These are a few of my favorite things
He jumps off the bench and turns around. Maria! He says nothing, just stares as she finishes the song.
When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad
"Good afternoon Captain" she says tentatively.
He can't believe his eyes, she's back. He wants to reach out to her, touch her, hold her in his arms, to make sure this is not some cruel dream, but he stops knowing he must go slowly. She ran away once because she was frightened and confused, he doesn't want to scare her away again.
"Maria" is all he can manage say to her.
Did she hear him correctly? He called her Maria; he has never called her just Maria. The intensity that she sees in his gaze causes her legs to become weak. She wants nothing more than to run into his arms but she holds back, the last thing she wants to do is make a fool of herself. No, she has to be sure he feels the same. But how will she know?
As if reading her thoughts Georg is the first to speak "You are back to stay?
He looks at her and the expression on her face is one of confusion.
Maria is not sure if that was a question or a command.
Realizing that it sounded as if he was commanding her to stay instead of asking, he tries to explain "I'm sorry Maria that didn't sound right. What I meant is that the children have missed you terribly and if you leave again they will be heartbroken"
The children, she hadn't thought about what they had been going through "Captain I'm sorry for leaving without saying goodbye to the children, to you. It was wrong, please forgive me"
"Maria, why did you go back to the abbey? I know what your note said but was there another reason? He wants her to open up to him, to tell him the real reason she left.
Suddenly Marias mind goes back to last night and what the Baroness said. What if what she said was true, that he would tire of her? Does she tell him what the Baroness said? Will he believe her? Maria turns and walks towards the gazebo, afraid the tears that are welling up will fall.
Sensing that she wants to tell him, but is afraid, he says "Maria, Elsa is gone". She stops and turns to look at him. "I asked her to leave last night; she went back to Vienna, to stay" he slowly walks up next to her as they walk into the gazebo.
"Gone? But I thought, she said you" Maria tries to finish but her emotions start to get the best of her.
Turning to face her he realizes this is it, he must tell her how much she means to him, how much he loves her "Maria, I know what happened last night. I know that Elsa went to your room and said some things that upset you and that is why you left. She had no right to talk to you about how I feel. She was wrong. I will never tire of you. I am in love with you and I will be until there is no breath left in me" He lifts her chin to look at him.
He pulls her closer to him as she closes her eyes and feels his lips gently touch hers. His lips are soft and warm as they slowly touch hers. His lips slowly leave hers but travel to her forehead, the tip of her nose, and then he lightly touches them to each of her cheeks. She lets out a barely audible sigh as he pulls back to look into her eyes once more.
"I love you" he says as he pulls her to him once more. Her arms embrace him as she places her head on his shoulder. She feels his arms hold her closer as if to make sure she is real.
"Maria, what made you come back?
She lifts her head off his shoulder and looks into his eyes "The Reverend Mother, she said I had to look for my life"
"Have you found it Maria, here with me, the children? He asks hoping for the answer he wants to hear.
"I think I have" she says lowering her eyes. He lifts her chin and the look in his eyes reassures her that she has found her life. Reaching her hand up to his cheek she smiles and says "I know I have"
Reaching up he gently takes her hand and presses his lips to her palm." I love you" she says softly as he pulls her in closer. Her arms go around his neck as he pulls her closer until there is no space left between them.
"Maria" is the last coherent thing she hears him say before his lips descend on hers. He smiles into the kiss as he feels her pull him even closer. Knowing she is new to this kind of intimacy he wants to go slow and is surprised when she presses her lips harder on his. He decides to slowly deepen the kiss by running his tongue over her lips. She parts her lips slightly and his tongue invades her mouth. The sensation causes her to let out a soft moan.
Georg softens the kiss as he finds himself losing control. If he could he would take her away tonight and marry her but she deserves the wedding of her dreams and he was going to give it to her. They slowly pull out of their embrace as they hear the children.
"Captain, the children, I should go tell them I'm back" she says as he reluctantly lets go of her.
"Maria, I think you can call me Georg" he says lifting his hand to brush it against her cheek.
"I will try but it's going to take some getting used to" she says as they walk hand in hand out of the gazebo.
He picks up her guitar and bag as they walk towards the sound of the children.
"Cap-I mean Georg wait. What are we going to tell the children, about us, about our relationship? She asks him.
"I have a funny feeling they know how we feel about each other, especially Brigitta, remember she notices everything. Did you know that they went to the abbey this morning? They wanted to see you but were told you weren't seeing anyone" He says as they walk towards the house.
"What? No I didn't. Do you think they will forgive me for leaving without saying goodbye? She asks him.
"Well I don't think you have to worry about that" he says as he points to the house.
The children had come back out onto the terrace to look for their father. Max had joined them. He attempted to get them to try to sing again but to his dismay they began to complain vigorously.
"Uncle Max, please, we don't want to sing" Marta pleads.
"Not without Fraulein Maria" Gretl says going over to Leisl.
Out of the corner of his eye Max sees movement by the gazebo. He looks over to see Maria and Georg walking together towards the house.
"Well children" he says as he points towards the direction of the gazebo "it looks as though your Fraulein has returned.
The children run to the railing of the terrace and see Maria. "Fraulein Maria, she's back" they shout as they run down the steps and in her direction.
Maria runs towards them. Louisa reaches her first. The hug she receives from Louisa almost knocks her to the ground. The other children soon follow with hugs of their own.
"Children, oh, how I have missed you" she says hugging them back.
"Fraulein Maria, please don't go away again" Gretl says as she hold her arms out. Maria picks her up and holds her tightly.
"I'm sorry I left without telling all of you goodbye" she says to the children, "But I promise I am not going away again"
"Really, you promise" Gretl says as she hugs Maria tighter.
"I promise" Maria says looking over at Georg.
Maria carries Gretl as they head up the stairs to the house.
"Fraulein Maria, welcome back" Max says as Maria comes up the steps.
"Thank you Herr Detweiller" she says smiling at him.
"No, no you must call me Max" he says winking at Georg.
Frau Schmidt comes out onto the terrace. She smiles as she sees Maria. "Maria, I'm so happy to see you" she says as she gives her a hug.
"Herr Detweiller you have a phone call and Captain dinner is ready" she says
"Finally, I've been waiting all day. Hopefully its good news" Max says as he goes into the house.
"Dinner, I'm starving" Kurt says rubbing his stomach.
"Thank you Frau Schmidt, we will be right in" Georg says as he picks Marta up and they head inside.
Once inside they take their place at the dinner table. Maria sits on the opposite side of the table directly across from Georg. Georg surprises Maria by saying grace.
"Lord, thank you for this wonderful dinner before us and thank you for bringing Mar- Fraulein Maria back to us" Before he can say amen all the children say it loudly with wide smiles on their faces.
Georg looks up at Maria and winks as they start dinner. The children tell Maria how they went to the abbey and wanted to see her but were told she wasn't seeing anyone. They laughed when they told her the story they tried to give their father as to where they had gone.
"Fraulein Maria, why did you leave? Did you really miss the abbey? Brigitta asks.
Maria stops eating and looks at each of the children. She tries to think how she is going to explain her departure to the children.
"Brigitta, I went back to the abbey because I had to talk to the Reverend Mother about some important things. While I was there I prayed very hard and with the Reverend Mothers help, I made the decision not to become a nun. The Reverend Mother made me realize that God has a different plan for me"
"Does that mean you are never going back to the abbey? Will you stay here and be our governess? Gretl asks as she goes over by Maria.
Maria picks her up and places her on her lap "Yes darling, I will be staying here to be your governess. I will go to the abbey but just to visit the sisters"
Gretl put her arms around Marias neck and gives her the biggest hug she could "I love you Fraulein".
Marias eyes fill with tears as she wraps her arms around Gretl. Georg watches their interaction and is filled with so many emotions. His life is complete again. While he will always love Agathe he knows her spirit is at peace now. Their children have someone who loves them as if they were her own. He has found love again.
Maria looks over at him and smiles through her happy tears. Georg smiles back at her. He can't wait until they can be married. Married, suddenly he remembers the ring in his pocket. He meant to ask her when they were in the gazebo but he was distracted by the children realizing Maria had come back. He decides he will ask her tonight after the children go to bed.
The rest of the evening is spent singing and just being together. All too soon it is time for the children to go to bed.
"Father will you read me a story? Marta asks.
"Yes darling I will be up in a couple of minutes" he says.
Georg watches Maria as she gathers the children and heads upstairs. She looks back and Georg smiles. She smiles back. She is hoping that after the children go to bed they will have some time alone.
Max watches the exchange between them.
"Well, well my friend, you have it bad don't you" Max says as he slaps Georg on the back.
"I have no idea what you are talking about" Georg says trying to be subtle.
"Oh please my friend, I have known you long enough. All the pieces fit now. Elsa went because you are in love with the Fraulein. I see how you look at her. I haven't seen that look since Agathe. I'm happy for you. Now if I can only convince you to let the children sing at the festival" Max says as he gets a drink.
"Max I am not going to change my mind. My children do not sing in public" he says shaking his head.
"Georg it's just a concert. The children will have so much fun and it will be good for Austria" Max says as he takes a sip of his wine.
"Austria? I'm afraid all too soon Hitler will have his way and my country will become part of Germany. If the Anschluss happens I will have to make plans to leave. I know full well they will want me to join them and if I refuse it would be fatal for all of us. I have already moved money to the Bank of England in preparation of us leaving. Now that I have found love again I will not risk Marias life and the lives of my children by staying here" he says sadly.
"You win. I will stop asking" Max says. "Now tell me about your Fraulein. Elsa must have been pretty angry at you"
"On the contrary, it was me who was the angry one. Elsa went up to see Maria after she went upstairs to change for dinner. She said some awful things to Maria. Maria was so upset she left. I found out Maria was gone and what Elsa had done. I confronted Elsa and let's just say she wasn't truthful at first but then she finally realized I knew what happened. Can you believe Elsa wanted me to get along with Zeller? She didn't really know me at all Max. I broke it off with her and she went back to Vienna. I planned on breaking it off with her after the party anyway. I realized I was in love with Maria and hoped she felt the same. When I found out she had left it tore me up. Thank God she came back." Georg says finishing his drink.
"Like I said I am truly happy for you" Max says "It's been a long day, I'm going to bed. I will see you in the morning"
"I'll walk up with you. I promised Marta a story, hopefully she is still awake" Georg says as they walk upstairs.
Georg heads towards the girls room. He stops at the door and watches as Maria tucks the girls in for the night.
"Papa" Marta says as she jumps out of bed and into Georg's arms. Georg brings her back to the bed and reads her the story he promised. Maria sits on the edge of the bed watching Georg as he reads the story of Cinderella.
Georg finishes the book and kisses Marta goodnight.
Maria and Georg kiss each child goodnight and head into the boys room to say goodnight.
They both head out of the boys room closing the door behind them.
"Take a walk with me? Georg asks taking Marias hand.
"I was hoping we could spend some time alone" she says as a blush rises to her cheeks. Georg leads her downstairs and out the terrace doors. It's a beautiful night and the light from the moon casts a glow on the lake. They walk along the banks arm in arm. What they don't realize is that Leisl, Friedrich, Louisa, and Brigitta are watching from the balcony above.
"See I told you" Brigitta says "Father and Fraulein Maria are in love. I can't believe that none of you saw the way Father looked at her during dinner. Every time I looked over at him he was looking at her. When Fraulein Maria looked at Father her eyes would shine and she would start to blush the same way she blushed last night when they were dancing. Leisl, do you think they will get married?"
"I hope so Brigitta." Leisl says as she watches them go towards the gazebo, She realizes that maybe they should go back in and give them some privacy "we need to go back in before father catches us and he grounds us for life" She ushers everyone back to their rooms.