Within an hour, they were on the way back to the villa. The dressmaker would arrive later in the afternoon with samples of material and to take measurements of Maria and the girls. Georg made it clear to the dressmaker that the dresses be complete within 2 weeks no matter the cost. Maria had talked to the woman about what kind of dress she wanted. A simple design, no lace; she was not fond of lace. She wanted the dress to have long sleeves and a modest neckline. The dresses for the younger girls would also be simple, although Liesl's dress would have a more mature look, something a young woman would wear. While she had not discussed it with her yet, Maria was going to ask Liesl to be her maid of honor. The dressmaker took notes as Maria explained what she did and did not want. The dressmaker would arrive at the house after lunch with some designs for both Maria and the girls.
They arrived at the villa just before lunch. Frau Schmidt decided to serve lunch on the terrace. She watches as all of them discuss the wedding plans.
Georg looks at his watch, "Maria I have to go into town for a business meeting. Friedrich and Kurt, while Fraulein Maria and your sisters are busy with the dressmaker I expect both of you to behave. Stay out of their way. If both of you behave, when I return we will go out and work on that treehouse you have been asking about"
"Do not worry, Father we will stay far away from our sisters. We can work on the design of the treehouse" Friedrich says as he looks at Kurt.
"Aw, I want to help design the Treehouse. Fraulein, do I have to be there? Louisa asks.
"Louisa what if I have her take your measurements first that way you can help the boys if that is agreeable to the both of you," Maria asks the boys.
Louisa gives Friedrich a pleading look, "Yes Fraulein, Louisa we will be in our room.
Franz enters the terrace "Excuse me, Fraulein but the dressmaker is here"
"Thank you, Franz. Liesl can you bring her up to my room, I will be up in a couple of minutes" she says
"Yes Fraulein" Liesl gathers up the younger ones as they head out to the foyer. Friedrich and Kurt head up to their room.
Georg walks over to Maria to say goodbye "I will be back before dinner darling. Have fun, " he says, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Georg, um, wait, I was wondering, I would like to get some books to read while I am at the abbey. Is it all right if I look for some in your study? She asks, taking his hand.
"Yes, you are welcome to go into my study and look. Is there anything you are looking for? He asks
"Um, no maybe some books about etiquette? She asks.
"I'm not sure if I have any books on etiquette. Agathe had some books and they are on the top shelf by the couch. Take whatever you want Maria; this is now your home too. Now I must really leave before I am late, " he says as he kisses her again and leaves.
Maria watches as he leaves and goes upstairs. As she walks into her room, she hears the girls talking to the dressmaker.
"Fraulein, look at the dress I am going to wear," Gretl says showing the picture the dressmaker gave her.
Maria looks at the design and it is exactly what she wanted for Gretl.
"Frau Vogl it is wonderful" Maria gushes.
"I am so glad you are pleased. Now let's look at the other designs for the rest and then I will show you what I have come up with for your dress" she says smiling.
One by one Maria looks at the designs for the girls consulting each of them on the choices. Frau Vogl completes their measurements and they go off to their rooms. Louisa goes in search of the boys.
"Young lady look and tell me what you think," Frau Vogl says as she hands Liesl her design.
Liesl looks at the dress design and smiles "Oh Fraulein, look it is different from the other dresses, older, sophisticated"
"There is a reason for that," Maria says, looking at Liesl "I want to ask you if you will be my maid of honor"
"Me, oh yes Fraulein" Liesl throws her arms around Maria.
Frau Vogl shows Maria the different material she brought for the girl's dresses. After picking the material it is time for her to see her dress designs.
"Fraulein here are the dresses I designed," she says, handing them to Maria.
They are similar but with some subtle differences. The first one has a very high neckline which she didn't care for but the rest of the dress was pretty. The second design was pretty, but she wasn't sure it was something that would look good on her. The third design causes her to gasp. The dress is simple yet elegant. The top of the dress was form fitting to the waist with long sleeves and then flared out to show a long train. The neckline is not too high and is modest. The veil is long and travels over the back of the dress and is held in place by a simple wreath of rosemary. She has never seen anything so beautiful.
Maria runs her fingers across the paper, imagining what the dress would look like on her. She hands Frau Vogl the design, "It's more beautiful than I could have imagined"
"Wonderful. Now the material" Frau Vogl says as she reaches for a couple of bolts of material.
Looking at the fabrics Maria runs her hand on each. The first one is a little too heavy and stiff for her liking. The other is soft and has just the right amount of weight. Holding it up to the light she sees the fabric shimmer in the sun.
"This one," she says, handing the fabric to Frau Vogl.
"Perfect. Now let's get your measurements" she says.
Maria stands as Frau Vogl gets to work. She finishes quickly, "My assistants will start on the girl's dresses today. Have the girls come to the shop for a final fitting early next week. I will make your dress myself. You will need to come to the shop with the girls and then maybe two times after that.
Maria walks downstairs to see Frau Vogl to the door "Thank you again for everything"
"No, my dear, thank you, the Captain is a lucky man," she says as she leaves.
"Fraulein" Maria looks up and sees Frau Schmidt
"Yes," Maria answers as Frau Schmidt walks toward her.
"The Captain called while you were with Frau Vogl. He wanted me to let you know he will be home within a couple of hours. What time would you like dinner served? She asks
"Dinner, oh yes, I guess five thirty would be fine. If that's all right, " she says tentatively.
Seeing the young woman's insecurity Frau Schmidt places a hand on her arm "Maria, don't worry, you will get used to giving the staff instructions. I know it's awkward, but never think for a minute you don't have it in you. I have every confidence in you and your abilities; after all, you came into this house and changed not only the children but the Captain as well. I never thought I would see the day the Captain would be this happy again, not after the death of the Baroness. You are young but you are wise beyond your years. Again, if you have any questions about anything, let me know, I am here to help make this transition as easy as I can for you. Now the girls except for Louisa are all in the kitchen with the cook. They want to make a special dessert for after dinner to celebrate. Don't worry both Liesl and the cook is supervising them. Louisa and the boys are in the workroom getting the supplies for the Treehouse. Why don't you get some rest before dinner?"
Taking the woman's hands in hers "Thank you, Frau Schmidt, I don't know what I would do without you. Actually, I am going to go to the Captains study to look for some books to take back to the Abbey"
"Yes, that's right the Captain told me that you would be going to the Abbey in the evenings. You should find some books on the upper shelf that may interest you, " she says as she heads back upstairs.
Maria heads for Georg's study. She opens the door and is immediately hit with the smell of leather and him. She closes the door behind her and walks over to the bookcase. Looking around, she finds a small step stool. Remembering what Georg had said she pulls the stool over to the case by the couch. Her eyes scan the titles. There were Jane Eyre, Little Woman, Pride and Prejudice; she's read these before entering the abbey. At the end of the row was a small book that catches her eye. Ideal Marriage: Its Physiology and Technique. A book about marriage is just what she's been looking for. Stepping down from the stool she starts to open the book, but is interrupted by someone crying her name. She quickly put the stool back and places the book in her pocket. Coming out of the study, she sees Gretl running towards her.
"What's this all about," she says as she holds her arms out.
The little girl is now sobbing in her arms
"You're going away again, to the abbey," Gretl says as she buries her face in Maria's shoulder.
"Who told you I was going away? Maria asks
"I overheard Frau Schmidt talking to one of the maids. She said you would not be using your room anymore because you would be staying at the abbey" Gretl says as she rubs her eyes.
"Oh my, come with me, I need to talk with all of you," Maria says as she goes to find the rest of the children. She gathers them all in the sitting room. She sits down and places Gretl on her lap.
"This morning your father and I went to see the Reverend Mother to talk about the wedding. She wants me to stay at the Abbey until the wedding. You see they are like my family and want me to spend some time there before the wedding. Your father and I knew that all of you may not like to visit the abbey every day so we decided that I spend the days with you here but at night I will stay at the abbey. We were going to talk to all of you tonight after dinner, but Gretl overheard Frau Schmidt and misunderstood what she said" she says looking at Gretl.
"But Fraulein, you promised me you wouldn't go away again," Gretl says
"Now Gretl do you remember what I told you this morning. I said that I would still go to the abbey to visit the sisters and that's exactly what I will be doing" she says as she looks down at her.
"But what if I have a nightmare or there's a thunderstorm. You won't be here" Gretl says sadly
"Well, your father will and I'm sure Liesl will be there to help you. I will be here for dinner, tuck you into bed, and read your stories. It's only for three weeks, then I will be here for good, " Maria says smiling down at her.
"What do we have here? Looks like a family meeting" Georg says as he walks into the room.
"Father, Fraulein Maria was just telling us how she will be going to the abbey at night, but she will be here to play with us during the day" Gretl exclaims
"I thought we were going to discuss this after dinner, " he says looking at Maria
"Yes, you see Gretl overheard Frau Schmidt talking about how I would not be staying in my room and thought I was leaving. I thought it best to explain what was going on, " Maria says as she gets up.
Georg picks up Gretl "All better?
"Yes, papa, Fraulein Maria said if there is a thunderstorm or I have a nightmare I can come find you!
"You can come to me anytime you're scared and that goes for the rest of you," he says as he looks at his children. Pangs of guilt begin to rise as he realizes that his children were afraid to come to him before. Maria looks at him and sees the pain on his face.
"Boys, Louisa why don't you get your plans for your treehouse and your father will meet you outside. Liesl, can you please take everyone else into the kitchen to finish your surprise. The children leave and Maria immediately go to Georg.
"Stop"
"Stop what? He asks
"Stop feeling guilty. They love you and that's all that matters" she places her hand on his cheek.
Covering her hand with his "I can't help it. My children should not have been afraid to come to me. I was too wrapped up in my grief to see to their needs"
"Georg the most important thing is that you are here now. They know you love them. I see it every time they look at you. They still need you and will need you even when they are grown. Now go build that tree house, " she says, reaching up to give him a kiss.
He pulls her to him and deepens the kiss. There it is again, the pull deep within her, something thrilling, and something unexplainable. Is it normal to feel this good, does he experience the same thing? She wants to ask him, but is unsure how to approach the subject. Would he think her foolish?
Breaking away Georg sweetly kisses the tip of her nose "I love you"
"I love you too," she says as he walks out of the room.
Remembering the book she reaches into her pocket and attempts to open in the beginning when Frau Schmidt interrupts "Fraulein, I thought we could plan the menu for the week"
"The menu, I thought cook did that? She asks, not quite understanding
"As the mistress of the house, you will be planning the meals for the week. I promise it won't take long. The main thing I need to know is there anything that you would like for dinner. A favorite food or dessert?" Frau Schmidt asks
Maria sits down with Frau Schmidt to plan the meals and to discuss other things that the mistress is responsible for. Time passes quickly and before she realizes it is time for dinner.
Maria meets Georg at the bottom of the stairs
"How did the treehouse building go," she says as he wraps his arm around her.
"It's coming along. They did a good job drawing up their plan. I just changed a few things, " he smiles
"Really, like what? She asks
"Like that they wanted it too high in the tree so I showed them a better place to put it. It was wonderful spending time with them. How did it go with the dressmaker? He asks
"Wonderful! She is talented. The girl dresses will be finished next week and mine will be ready in two weeks. Now I must get everything else done. Frau Schmidt said she will help me plan the rest. She really is amazing. She also helped me with some other things"
"Is that what you were doing in the sitting room? You were in there for a while" Georg says as they walk towards the dining room.
"Oh, she was just going over dinner menus and other things. I didn't realize how much it takes to run this house, but I am learning, " she says as he pulls out her chair
The other children arrive along with Max.
"Max where have you been all day," Georg asks
"I've been trying to find a singing group for the festival and I'm afraid there is no one as talented as your children. It's a shame Georg a real shame" Max says, shaking his head.
Georg gives Max a warning look "Max we have already discussed this. I would like to eat my meal without getting indigestion"
"Enough said, I won't say another word, " Max says
Georg says grace and they all settle in to eat their dinner. The conversations at the table all centers on the upcoming wedding.
"Are we going to have a party? Is there going to be cake? Can we stay up late? Is there going to be dancing? The children ask.
Maria smiles as she tries to answer all their questions "Yes Gretl we will have a party after the wedding, although I am not sure where yet. Brigitta, there will be dancing and I would like a dance with each of you boys and Kurt there will be cake and some other desserts"
"Dessert, we almost forgot" Brigitta quickly exited the dining room along with Liesl, Marta, and Gretl.
"What's that all about? Georg asks, looking at Maria.
"The girls, except for Louisa, have been in the kitchen all afternoon making a special surprise for dessert. Don't worry cook was supervising" she says chuckling.
All heads turn when they hear giggling coming from the door leading to the kitchen.
First to enter is Gretl with a smile from ear to ear. Marta enters next holding a large bowl filled with whip cream, Brigitta and Liesl are last with the largest cake Georg has ever seen. He can see why it took two of them to bring it in. Maria sees them struggling with the weight of the cake and quickly clears a space on the table.
Maria smiles as she reads the writing on the cake. Congratulations Papa and Fraulein Maria
"My goodness," Maria exclaims "Did you make it all by yourselves?
"Most of it, cook helped us with the recipe, but we did everything else," Gretl says proudly.
Maria and Georg cut the cake and give each of the children a piece. After dinner, Georg and the children head to the sitting room to sing songs and talk about the wedding some more. Much to the children's chagrin, it is soon time for bed.
"I will see you both in the morning. If the weather cooperates maybe I can convince your Father to come on a picnic with us, " Maria says as she says goodnight to the boys.
"I would love to darling, but I promised the boys and Louisa to help them build the Treehouse," he says looking at the boys.
"Oh, well, I guess that just leaves the rest of your sisters and me to figure out something to do," Maria says.
They say goodnight and head to the girl's room.
Marta and Gretl jump out of bed and head straight for Maria.
"Are you both ready for your story? She asks as they grab her legs.
"Yes," they answer.
Maria sits down on Gretls bed as both Marta and Gretl get into their beds. Georg sits down on Marta's bed and slowly caresses her cheek as she begins to close her eyes. Maria watches as Gretl does the same. Closing the book Maria slowly gets off the bed and kisses Gretl on the forehead as Georg does the same with Marta. They change places and repeat their actions. They both go over to the other girls and gives each one a kiss and quietly leave.
Georg reaches for Maria's hand as they head down the stairs.
"Are you all packed? He asks her.
"Yes, Franz put my bag in the car after dinner. "Oh, Georg I know it's necessary for me to go the abbey, but I'm still not happy," she says pulling him closer.
"I know darling. I am not happy either, but it's only 3 weeks and then I will have you all to myself for 6 weeks" he says kissing her cheek.
"6 weeks! Georg isn't that a little excessive and you still haven't told me where we are going for our honeymoon" she says looking up at him.
"That my dear is going to be a surprise. In fact, I want you to go into town tomorrow and buy some new clothes. You will need them for the honeymoon" he says as they walk towards the terrace.
"Oh my, I have no idea what to get Georg. I don't even know where to go, " she says
"I will talk to Frau Schmidt; she used to go shopping with Agathe. The two of them used to come back with boxes and boxes of new clothes. I would act like I was angry because of all the money they spent, but I really didn't mind. I am sure she knows where to go and what you will need. You can take the girls too. They need some new clothes for school and as you told me not so long ago Liesl is almost a woman and needs some new clothes to reflect that, " he says as they walk outside and go down by the lake.
"Thank you, I do love you so," she says and reaches up to kiss him softly on his lips. Smiling into the kiss he answers it by taking her into his arms and deepening the kiss. She feels his tongue slowly weave its way through her parted lips and moans into his mouth. She feels his hands slowly caress her lower back and groans as he pulls her even closer. Her body is on fire, everywhere his hands touch, she can feel the heat emanating from them. Her body begins to react to his touch, the familiar ache in the pit of her stomach, the flush to her face, the pounding of her heart, and a new strange sensation between her legs. He pulls her closer to him and lifts her up slightly. She gasps as she feels him hard against her. Georg pulls away, worried that he has gone too far.
He looks into her eyes and sees confusion and something he never wants to cause her, fear.
"Maria, darling," he says, cupping her cheek, "I'm sorry, I never meant for this to happen, not like this. I don't want you to be afraid of me."
"No Georg. It is me, not you. I just wish I had more experience with this part of our relationship. I must seem so naïve to you. How will I know what to do, whether I'm doing it right, whether you like what I am doing? What's worse is I have no one to seek advice from" she says as she walks away from him.
Walking towards her he gently turns her around to face him, "Maria, I do not think of you as naïve. Innocent yes, but not naïve. As far as doing it right, there is no right or wrong. As far as pleasing me, what you felt when I held you close was evidence that you please me. You underestimate yourself, Maria, you are passionate about everything you do and I suspect it will be the same when we are able to give ourselves to each other completely"
Feeling better Maria hugs him tightly "I just don't want to disappoint you"
Kissing the top of her head he says "you should know by now that nothing you do or say could ever disappoint me. Now I think we better get you to the abbey before Reverend Mother sends the militia out after you.
Laughing Maria agrees "I can picture it now, a group of nuns led by Sister Berthe marching into the house to save my virtue"
They both start laughing as they head back to the house. They arrive at the abbey right on time. Georg brings her suitcases and follows her to the gate. He touches her cheek and gently kisses her forehead.
They both look over and see Sister Berthe watching their actions closely. Maria smiles at him as she takes the suitcase and opens the gate. Georg watches as looks she back at him, smiles and then turns the corner.
Sister Berthe leads Maria to the guest quarters of the abbey. Maria follows Sister Berthe to a room at the end of a long hallway. Sister Berthe opens the door and gestures for her to enter. Maria enters the room and is surprised at how large it is. The first thing she notices is the two large vases sitting on the night stands. Each one contains the most beautiful roses she has ever seen.
She smiles as she realizes he has sent everything from her room at the villa including her bed.
"Maria, as soon as you get settled, the Reverend Mother would like you to join her in her private sitting room for some tea," Sister Berthe says as she goes over to the door.
Before she leaves, Sister Berthe turns to Maria "I want you to know that there was a reason I was so hard on you. My job as the mistress of novices is to make sure that each postulant is ready for the life we lead here before they take their vows"
"Sister, you really don't have to explain," Maria says as she puts her clothes away.
"No, Maria I feel I must," she says, walking over to Maria.
Facing Marias, she smiles and says "With time, most of the postulant's change, become less interested in the outside world, become more disciplined in their studies and obeying the rules. But you were different. As hard as you tried the constraints of abbey life were extremely difficult for you to adhere to. At first, I just thought you would need more time, but as the months went on, it became clear to me that you were not meant for this life. You needed to be free to sing whenever and wherever you wanted. You are such a free spirit, Maria. I could see that even though you loved God and wanted to be a nun you were not meant for this life. Every night I prayed that somehow you would realize this. I consulted the Reverend Mother about my thoughts and when she showed me the letter from the Captain we both agreed that this might be just the thing to make you realize a cloistered life was not for you. I hoped and prayed that this was a sign from God, and now I know it was. You have indeed found the life you were born to live"
Maria felt her eyes begin to water and without warning Sister Berthe pulled her into a fierce embrace.
As Sister Berthe pulled back to look at Maria she said "Now you need to finish unpacking and I need to get to bed"
Sister Berthe went to the door, but before she left, she turned to Maria and said "And if you tell any of the other postulants about that hug I will make sure to have you kiss the floor each time you see me" They both laughed as Sister Berthe left the room.
Maria finished unpacking and set off to meet with the Reverend Mother.