Maria slowly opens her eyes and adjusts to the sun streaming into her room. She slowly stretches her legs. She turns towards the clock on her nightstand and is startled by a pair of blue eyes looking directly at her.
"Gretl, oh my, you startled me. What are you doing up this early? She asks as she looks at the time on the clock.
"I wanted to make sure you were still here and didn't leave again" the little girl says sadly.
Maria pulls Gretl up on the bed and places her onto her lap "Oh sweetheart I'm sorry you're so worried.
As Maria pulls her in for a hug her heart breaks as she realizes what her leaving did to Gretl. She feels Gretl hug her back as if she doesn't want to let go. Maria tries to figure out how she can alleviate Gretls fear when she looks down at the ring on her hand and remembers that they are going to tell the children of their engagement at breakfast. Maybe knowing that she is marrying her father will help.
Maria gives Gretl a hug and says "why don't we get your sisters and brothers up and go downstairs. Maybe your papa is up too. We can all have an early breakfast"
She puts Gretl on the bed as she dresses. She chooses one of her dresses that have pockets so she can hide the ring on her finger. "Ready? She says as she takes Gretls hands and helps her off the bed. They head into the nursery to get the others up. Despite groaning and covering their heads with the blankets they all eventually dress and go downstairs.
Walking into the foyer they meet Frau Schmidt coming out of the dining room.
"My goodness you are all up early" she says.
"I had an early riser this morning" Maria says smiling at Gretl.
"Frau Schmidt, do you know if the Captain is awake. I thought we could have an early breakfast?
"The Captain is in his study with Herr Detweiller. He asked me to let him know when everyone was awake" she says as she goes to his study.
Maria and the children take their places at the table. Maria begins to get a little nervous with the news they are about to tell the children. She knows they love her as their governess; she's just not sure how they will feel about her being their Mother.
"Good morning children, Fraulein" Georg winks at Maria as he enters the dining room. Leisl and Friedrich see the wink and try to keep their smiles at bay.
Max sits next to Gretl and kisses her forehead "Good morning, I trust everyone got a good night's sleep"
"Fraulein Maria, can I say grace? Gretl asks.
"Of course" Maria says as she bows her head.
Gretl bows her head" Thank you for what we are about to eat and for bringing our Fraulein back"
As each child is served their breakfast they realize that each of them have their favorite breakfast in front of them. Gretl and Marta have pancakes with fresh strawberries, Liesl and Friedrich eggs and sausage, Brigitta waffles with blueberries, Louisa eggs with ham, and Kurt with pancakes, waffles, eggs ham and sausage.
Georg starts to laugh when he sees their faces. "I thought everyone should have their favorite things this morning"
Gretl looks over at Georgs plate and realizes he doesn't have anything on it "Papa what about you?"
"Well Gretl, actually one of my favorite things is at the table. In fact one of my favorite things is next to you" Georg gets up out of his chair to stand behind Maria putting his hands on her shoulders "you see Gretl, one of my favorite things is your Fraulein and because she is one of my favorite things, I have asked her to marry me and stay with us forever, that is if you all agree"
Maria nervously looks at each of the children waiting for their answer. Georg gives her shoulders a gentle squeeze as he can feel her tense up. She relaxes a little as she sees all of them begin to smile. Gretl and Marta are the first to jump out of their chairs and into Marias lap. Maria hugs each of them as Georg picks up Marta.
Looking at Maria Gretl asks "If papa is going to marry you than that means you will never leave?
"Yes Gretl I will stay here and never leave" Maria says as she caresses Gretls cheek with the back of her hand. The other children start laughing. Maria and Georg both ask at the same time "What's so funny?
Liesl is the first to speak "We or I should say Brigitta figured out that you and Fraulein Maria were in love. To prove it to the rest of us she had us sort of spy on both of you. Last night we were hiding on the balcony and watched as you both were walking outside. You had your arm around Fraulein Maria. We figured or at least hoped that this meant you were in love and going to get married. Please don't be angry Father"
Georg tried to look angry but all he could do was laugh along with them. Looking at Maria he says" I told you Brigitta would figure it out first, remember "she notices everything"
Maria reaches up to cover Georgs hand "I want all of you to know that even though I will be marrying your father that does not mean I am replacing your Mother. I want you all to remember that she loves you and that she is watching you from heaven. Each of you has a part of her that will live on inside of you. I love all of you very much and hope that all of you are happy about this"
Louisa is the first to stand and walk over to Maria
"Fraulein I believe that God and Mama sent you here because they knew that we needed you. Father was so sad when Mama died and we in a way lost both of them. You were different than all the other governesses we had. They didn't really care about us but you did. You taught us how to sing. We used to have music all the time before Mama died" Looking at Georg Lousia continues "Remember Father you would play the guitar and Mama would sing. You made father realize that we needed him and that he needed us. Yes you are right, I believe Mama is watching over us from heaven and is happy that we have you. I'm so happy you will be our Mother. That is if we can call you Mother"
Lifting her hand from Georgs Maria takes her napkin and wipes the tears from her cheeks. She stands, puts Gretl on the chair and pulls Louisa into her arms "Thank you darling" The others leave their chairs and go to Maria. One by one she hugs each of the children, her children. Georg smiles as he watches the scene before him. He has not felt this kind of peace settle over him in a very long time. He closes his eyes and thanks God and Agathe for sending Maria to them. Suddenly warmth spreads over his entire body as if someone is embracing him. Is he imagining the aroma of Agathes perfume as he breathes in slowly? He hears a voice say "I love you" as if he is dreaming, then the feeling and aroma disappear. Agathe is the only thing he can think of. Instead of being sad he smiles and realizes she has just said her goodbye to him.
The rest of the breakfast conversation turns to the wedding.
"Fraulein, when will the wedding be? Liesl asks
"Well as soon as breakfast is finished your Fraulein and I are going to go into town. We will visit the abbey and decide on a date. Max do you think you can keep an eye on the children? Georg asks looking over at his friend.
"Of course Georg, I am sure we can find something to do until you both return" Max says looking at the children.
Georg notices the twinkle in Maxs eyes and can only guess what he has in store for his children. The good thing is that they won't be gone for too long, how much trouble could they get into?
Looking at his watch Georg looks over at Maria "Darling, we should leave soon. I will have Franz bring the car around"
Georg leaves to find Franz as Maria kisses the children goodbye. As she walks into the foyer she sees Georg talking to both Frau Schmidt and Franz.
"Maria before we go I need to talk to both Frau Schmidt and Franz" Georg says.
Thinking that he wants to speak to them alone Maria begins to go towards the door, before she can get too far Georg takes her hand and brings her to his side "This concerns you Maria"
Maria looks at Franz and is not surprised by his disapproving look; Frau Schmidt on the other hand has a smile from ear to ear.
"I want to talk to you both about Fraulein Maria; she is no longer considered to be part of the household staff. She is now part of the family and will be the mistress of the house. We are engaged to be married" he says looking at Maria.
Before she realizes it Frau Schmidt says under her breath "Finally"
Maria and Georg look at each other wondering if they both heard the same thing.
Franz on the other hand reacts only by saying "Yes sir, shall I get the car for you?
"Yes, please bring it around to the front. Darling I'll be right back" Georg says walking towards his study.
Frau Schmidt watches as Franz leaves and Georg goes into his study, when they are both out of sight Frau Schmidt can't contain her happiness. Over the last months she has come to love the young woman as if she was her daughter.
Pulling Maria into a hug she says "Maria I am so happy for you and the Captain"
Frau Schmidt releases her from her hug and holding her hands says "You have brought so much happiness to this house. If you need any help planning the wedding I am here to assist you"
"Thank you Frau Schmidt, I will truly need your help. I don't know where to begin.
"Whatever you need from me please do not hesitate to ask" Frau Schmidt says as she releases Marias hands.
'Ready Darling" Georg says as takes her hand.
They walk out the door and into the car. On the drive into town Maria begins to laugh "Did everyone in this house realize we were in love before we did?
"You heard that too" he laughs.
"Well I wasn't surprised at Franz's reaction. Does he ever smile?
"Not sure but if he gives you any problems you are to let me know. I will not having anyone in my household show you any disrespect" he says putting his arm around her and pulling her closer to his side.
Maria smiles as she puts her head on Georgs shoulder. They arrive at the abbey and Maria rings the bell.
She looks through the gates hoping Sister Margaretta is the one to come to the entrance. Seeing who the sister coming to the gate is she instantly becomes nervous, her eyes lowering to the ground.
"Maria? Back again, you just left yesterday" Sister Berthe says looking at her.
"Yes Sister, I, I mean we have come to talk to Reverend Mother. Is she available to see us?
"Excuse me sir, I see Maria has forgotten her manners, and your name is? Sister Berthe says looking at the Captain.
"I am Captain Von Trapp. We have come to see the Reverend Mother and it is on a most important matter. Can you tell her we are here? Georg says taking Marias hand in his. Maria can't contain the nervous laugh as she sees the look on Sister Berthes face when the Captain takes her hand. Eyes raised Sister Berthe opens the gate and motions for them to follow her. She stops and says "wait here please. They watch as she disappears behind a heavy oak door.
"I thought we were going to talk to the Reverend Mother. Why did she have us wait here? Georg says impatiently.
Maria smiles at him "That area is where the sisters live and men are not allowed in there. It's a cloistered abbey Georg, remember. She probably went to tell Reverend Mother that we are here. I am sure we will be meeting in her office"
Georg pulls her hand up to his mouth and gently kisses her hand "Well I hope she hurries up"
They both look up as they see Sister Berthe coming towards them. "Follow me please" she says.
She leads them through a large double door and into a large foyer. She knocks on a large ornate door and both Maria and Georg hear "Ave". Sister Berthe opens the door. A voice from inside the room says "Yes, send them in"
Sister Berthe motions for Georg and Maria to enter the room. Sister Berthe closes the door behind them.
Both Maria and Georg walk into the room and Georg watches as Maria approaches the Reverend Mother, kneels and kisses her ring. As Maria looks at her and smiles, the Reverend Mother takes Marias face in her hands " Well you certainly look much happier than the last time I saw you my dear"
Maria can't contain her happiness as she hugs Reverend Mother "Oh Mother thank you for helping me. You were right, when God closes a door, somewhere he opens a window"
"And have you found your life? Reverend Mother says as she looks at Maria and then over to Georg.
Maria walks to Georg as he holds out his hand to her "Reverend Mother, Maria and I have come here to tell you of our intention to marry. We would like the wedding to be as soon as possible due to the political climate in Austria. We can't risk waiting. If Hitler does what he intends, joining Austria with Germany, we must leave immediately. They will surely want me to join their military and I could not, will not be part of it"
"Reverend Mother, do we have your blessing? Maria asks
Looking at them both she could see she was not wrong in sending Maria back to the Von Trapp Villa.
Walking over to them she takes their hands in hers, they both bow their heads as she says a prayer over them.
"Thank You Mother" Maria says as she grasps her hand.
"Now Captain, in regards to the wedding. Do you have a date in mind? She asks as she sits down behind her desk.
"As I said as soon as possible" he says as both he and Maria sit down.
"Mother I know this is all happening quickly but as I told Georg If the Nazis take over Austria before we can get married I will still go with him" she says rather forcefully.
Reverend Mother raises her eyebrows "I assure you Maria I will make sure you are both married before that happens"
Maria watches as the Reverend Mother picks up the phone. She listens as the Reverend Mother asks for the Bishop. She hears the Reverend Mother explains the situation to the Bishop. After several minutes she hangs up the phone.
"Well Captain, the earliest you can marry will be in 3 weeks' time. The banns will be read in church, as is the law, and then you must wait 3 weeks. There is no way you can do it any earlier"
"Then 3 weeks it is" Georg says taking Marias hand in his.
"Now there is something else I must insist on" she says looking at Maria and the Captain. "Maria must come back to the stay at the Abbey until the wedding.
Both of them look at her and immediately begin to protest.
Holding up her hands she explains "Captain you are well known both in Salzburg and Vienna. It is also well known that you had been seeing the Baroness. Within the last 3 days you have broken off your relationship with the Baroness, become engaged to the governess, and will be marrying her in three weeks' time. It is a sad fact that friends, business and personal acquaintances will think that you are marrying Maria because hmm… how do I put this, because of an indiscretion.
"Mother I don't understand, what kind of indiscretion? We have done nothing wrong" She looks at Georg confused.
Georg looks at Maria lovingly. He forgets how innocent she really is. "Maria, what the Reverend Mother is trying to say is that we are getting married because we have to"
Maria looks at Georg not quite getting what he is saying "Why would they think.." then it dawns on her as to what he is referring to. Horrified Maria turns to the Reverend Mother "Mother I assure you that is the farthest thing from the truth. Why Georg would never…"
"Maria, I know that the Captain is an honorable man and that he would never do such a thing, otherwise I would have never sent you there in the first place. But I am afraid others are not that kind. Gossip can be cruel and hurtful. I am also thinking of the children. They will be starting school soon, correct? Children can be the cruelest of all" she says looking at both of them.
"I never thought that getting married would cause so many problems. Georg what are we going to do. I don't care what they think of me but I can't let the children get hurt that way" her eyes filling with tears.
Georg wipes a tear from Marias cheek and looks at the Reverend Mother "I am afraid you are right in your assumption. People will assume the worse even though it is the furthest from the truth"
Looking at Maria he sighs "I think the Reverend Mother is right. I know it's not what you want but it's for the best. It's not that long and before you know it we will be married and we will start our life together"
"Maria, the Captain is correct. It is for the best. We will have you stay in one of the larger rooms used for visiting clergy, that way the Captain and the children can visit you" she says trying to cheer Maria up.
Maria gasps "The children, oh Georg just this morning I promised Gretl I would never leave again. How will I explain this to her?
Georg looks at Maria and realizes how upset she is. He brushes his hand across her cheek and tries to think of a solution. "Reverend Mother what if Maria spends the day at the villa but comes back here in the evening?
"Hmm that would be acceptable. Maria, would that be better? She asks.
"I suppose so, but it's so unfair. Georg and I have done nothing wrong. This is just so unfair to both to us and the children" Maria says angrily.
"It's only 3 weeks and it will go by fast with all the preparations. And speaking of preparation we need to get to the dressmakers and arrange for her to come to the house. Reverend Mother I will have Maria back to the abbey by nine each night, this way she can have dinner with us and we can put the children to bed, is that acceptable?
"Yes Captain that would be fine. Maria the Captain is correct, with all the preperations for the wedding the weeks will fly by. Have both of you thought about what time you want the wedding ceremony?
Maria and Georg both look at each other and shrug their shoulders. "Can we call the Bishop tomorrow and let him know?
"Yes that would be fine; I will tell him to expect your call. Now I suggest both of you start planning this wedding and Maria I will see you at nine, sharp" Reverend Mother declares.
Maria and Georg both get up and bid the Reverend Mother goodbye. Georg notices Maria is very quiet as she gets into the car. He begins to drive towards town, his eyes darting between the road and her. He pulls off on a side road to talk to her.
"Georg I thought we were going to the dressmaker? She says looking at him
"Yes we are but I am worried. You are never this quiet this much I have learned. What's wrong?
He looks into her eyes and recognizes that look. The same look she gave him when they argued by the lake.
"I don't know whether to scream, cry, shout or throw something. How dare people think you took advantage of me and that I let you? I was going to be nun for heaven's sake. Do they think that little of you? She says as she looks at him, eyes narrowed, her eyes beginning to tear as she looks away.
Pulling her close he gently places a finger on her chin and turns her face to look at him "I know you are frustrated Maria. Unfortunately it seems those with money and titles make the worst gossips. I assume they have nothing better to do with their time than talk about other people. If it was just about me I wouldn't care but this involves you and the children"
"Well maybe we should just forget the whole thing" she says as he wipes a tear from her cheek.
"What? You don't want to marry me? Georg exclaims
"What, no! I mean yes. Oh why don't we just have a small ceremony at the abbey with just the children and Max" she says reaching for his hand.
"Oh darling if we do that it will only cause more speculation. No I will not let other people dictate our plans. No Maria, you will have the wedding of your dreams and damn the rest of society. Besides, they will soon find someone else to direct their attention to. I will talk to the older children and warn them of what they may hear when they return to school. Don't underestimate them, remember they terrorized 11 governesses before you came" he laughs as he pulls her into his arms.
"How did I get so lucky to have found you? She whispers to him.
"No Maria I'm the lucky one. Now let's get to the dressmakers. Georg pulls out onto the road with his arm wrapped securely around Maria.
How does he know just what to say, she thinks to herself? She is indeed a lucky woman. Looking up at him she can't help what it will be like. How will she know what to do once they are married? She worries that she won't be able to give him everything he needs. She knows nothing of the physical aspects of love when it comes to a man and woman. Sure she knows what the bible refers to as a wife's duties but it doesn't necessarily explain what those exact duties are. To make matters worse she has no one to ask. Are there books that explain, she doesn't know. And if there are where would she find one. She was so lost in her thoughts that she did not register that the car had stopped and Georg had asked her a question.
"Oh forgive me I was just daydreaming" she says looking up at him, feeling the heat rush to her cheeks.
"Well I hope that blush to your cheeks means you were dreaming of me" he smiles. He leans over and gives her a soft kiss to which she responds. Breaking away she looks up at him "Oh I love you so"
"And I love you too. Now let's go talk to the dressmaker" he says getting out of the car.