A/N: I still don't own any of the characters. Also, I wrote this chapter assuming that Maria is a very devout Catholic who would not use birth control. I hope you enjoy it, and thank you as ever for the kind reviews!
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Georg Von Trapp sat back in his chair and looked out the window towards the mountains. He was supposed to be figuring out the best way to subtly consolidate their finances, as well as figure out how to keep them safely and legally in Switzerland, but his mind kept turning to his family. Something wasn't right. In fact, things were starting to feel all wrong again. Not as wrong as when Maria had gone back to the abbey and he had become engaged to Elsa – but wrong. There wasn't as much singing. There wasn't as much laughter. Everything – everyone – seemed unnaturally subdued.
He ran his hand back through his hair. It had grown slightly greyer than it had been just a month ago, but only slightly.
It was natural to assume that the children would be a little more subdued as they were adjusting to their new home, but something was still wrong. His children were naturally high spirited. This subdued was off. He hadn't gotten them through the Alps to safety for things to go all wrong again.
As he continued to look out the window it occurred to him that the common denominator between the time Maria had gone back to the abbey, and now, was Maria herself. She was still with them, she hadn't left, but she was hardly with them. He himself barely saw her except at meals and at night when she would fall asleep almost immediately from exhaustion.
They had only been in their house for a few days and she had spent that time working non-stop. She was either sewing clothes for the nine of them, sewing drapes and other household necessities, or cooking for all of them. To make matters worse, there was no sewing machine to be found in Dorfli. She had to order one, and it hadn't arrived yet. She was sewing by hand.
Georg realized that he hadn't heard her sing in days. That was so … unnatural for her. His shoulders slumped as he began to realize what was wrong. Maria was spending all of her time working as their cook and seamstress rather than their wife and mother. Anyone could be a cook or seamstress for them. Only one woman could be his wife and the mother of his children.
She was the one who had brought them together as a family again. She had brought back the music, the laughter, and the love. She had shown again and again what an invaluable partner she was to him. And now she spent almost all her time shut away in the room they had set aside as the sewing room. Liesl was certainly helpful, as were the other children from time to time, but the work load was endless.
He thought back over the last few days. Maria had insisted – and he had agreed – that they not bring any strangers into their house. That she alone take care of their needs. But, he realized, neither of them had anticipated what a huge task it was going to be. Nine people needed full wardrobes. A large house needed drapes and linens. Plus, nine people at a lot of food at least three times a day.
Georg felt trapped. They were alone and friendless in a new country, but he needed his wife back. Although they had only been in the house for a few days, he missed her desperately. Her light, her life, her love – they were all being wasted. They could easily afford help, but didn't know who to trust.
'Not friendless.' The words suddenly popped into his head. They were not friendless. They had already made a friend, thanks to Maria's magic, and they could trust that friend.
He swung around in his chair, no longer looking out the window but at his desk. He suddenly had new resolve and energy. He would go see Herr Kramer on this very day and ask for help finding people he could trust. Herr Kramer had lived in this area for over 60 years. He was bound to have a few friends in Dorfli that he could recommend. And he, Georg, could then relieve Maria of her work load and allow her to bring her life and light back to their family.
Georg thought back to that fateful day when they first met, and how relieved he had been when she told him she could make her own clothes. To be honest, though, he hadn't been that relieved because he had scarcely cared about the governesses. But he had been pleased. Little did he know then, he thought with a rueful smile, that she was wasted on needle and thread.
She was industrious and hardworking, but she was so much more. She was full of love and music. A silly smile now played across his face. Georg Von Trapp was a man in love, and he couldn't be happier about that. It was so much easier to care than not care. And he cared about his wife and family with every fiber of his being.
He swept all of his papers together and put them in the drawer of his desk, careful to lock it. That was habit more than anything else. He trusted all of his family, and doubted they would understand those papers even if they did go snooping for some inexplicable reason. He knew he was supposed to be thinking about how to handle their finances and the best way to let the Swiss authorities know that they were there, but with everything right with his family, he'd be so much less distracted. Besides, he had a long walk up into the alm, and how better to clear his head and think than in the mountains?
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Maria sat over a pile of material, her needle and thread darting in and out of it quickly and neatly. Her chair was to the back of the door of the small sewing room, facing out the one window of the room, but she rarely looked up. There was too much to do. The children needed clothes. Making nine outfits could take – well, longer than she wanted to think about. Thinking would slow her down and probably discourage her. Besides, nine outfits would only leave each person with one new outfit each. And the younger children were growing so quickly – how was she going to keep all of them dressed? How was she even going to produce nine full wardrobes?
'Don't think about it,' she reminded herself. 'Just keep working.'
The sewing machine that she so desperately needed should arrive in a few more days and that would speed everything up considerably. But she still faced a daunting task. So she kept sewing. She could hear and feel the rhythm that her needle was making – in and out, in and out. The rhythm was one of the things that kept her going. It had become like the beat of a song, and music made everything faster and easier.
Maria heard a knock on the door, and heard the door open, but she didn't look up. It wasn't until she felt the familiar hands on her shoulders, felt those large, strong hands begin to massage her aching shoulders, and felt a comforting kiss on the top of her head that she put down her work and leaned back in her chair. It was so good to feel Georg's touch, and he always seemed to know exactly what she needed – as evidenced by the strong shoulder rub he was giving her right then.
Georg looked down at her table, covered with material. It looked warm, sturdy and serviceable, but didn't yet resemble anything that anyone would wear … at least to his untrained eye.
"Who is this for?" he asked his wife.
"Kurt," she responded briefly, and as though reminded of the amount of work ahead of her she picked up the material and began to sew again.
Georg marveled briefly at how she could take big bolts of fabric and turn them into clothes. At least she wasn't using drapes this time, he thought to himself with a small smile. But the thought of drapes reminded him of how much work there was to do, and how much Maria needed a break from it. How much he needed Maria to have a break from it. He was being both selfish and selfless, he thought to himself with another smile.
He kissed the back of her neck, causing her to lean back again. He hadn't ever imagined being with a woman with such short hair, but had learned that there were certain advantages to its length. Besides, Maria was already the most beautiful woman in the world, in his opinion, and he wouldn't change anything about how she looked.
Even in this small room with her attention on something other than him, he didn't want to leave her, but he knew he had to. Fortunately it would only be for a few hours. It didn't matter that much anyway because wherever he was she would be holed up in this small room, sewing as fast and as well as she could.
He leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her shoulders so that he could whisper in her ear, and smell her as well. Georg loved the smell of her. While he was leaning forward he told her what he had come to say.
"I need to leave the house on business for a few hours." He didn't want to tell her where he was going, or why, in case she would protest. Georg wanted everything settled and safe before he proposed the changes to Maria in case she would have any argument against them.
"I've spoken with Liesl. She will look after the younger children," he continued. "I'll be back before dinner, but I won't be with you for lunch."
Hearing that he would be leaving, Maria leaned back once more, into his embrace. As busy as she was, she loved feeling his arms wrapped around her. "I'll fill you in on everything when I am back," he promised. They had agreed to share all plans - she had become such a valuable partner to him that he didn't want to keep anything from her – except for now. But, he reassured himself, he would tell her what he had been up to as soon as everything was arranged.
Maria looked up at him, standing behind her. "Alright, I'll see you then," she said with a wistful tone of regret.
While she was looking up at him he bent forward and kissed her soundly on her mouth. It was an awkward position. He wanted to pull her up out of that chair, away from Kurt's outfit, and take her outside to enjoy this beautiful day. But he knew she would never agree to that, she was far too busy and industrious he thought to himself with a mixture of both pride and regret.
Georg walked out of the sewing room more determined than ever to resolve this untenable situation.
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As the Captain left the room Maria folded her hands and bent over them in prayer. 'Please help me,' she asked silently.
She wished she had someone she could talk to – someone who wasn't her husband or one of her children. She specifically wished she could talk with the Revered Mother, but that was impossible. Something was weighing on her mind, something far greater than the endless sewing or cooking she had to do.
Maria may have been young, but she was not naïve. She had grown up on a farm, and she knew where babies come from. She knew that it was likely that she herself would have a baby eventually.
She wanted a baby dearly, it was a hope that she cherished in her heart like a precious jewel. She hadn't talked about it with Georg – things had been much too busy since they had returned from their honeymoon. And she knew that children were a gift from God and that it would be wrong to do anything that might prevent or interfere with such a gift. And yet … and yet …
The truth was that Maria simply didn't know how she would manage another child, particularly a baby who needed so much time and attention. As it was, she barely had time for the children she already did have. Having any kind of one on one time with them was so rare, and yet so needed by each of them. And now that they had moved to Switzerland, she was so busy trying to get them established and comfortable in their new home, she had even less time for them. How would she manage to do all of this work, or be with her children as much as they deserved, if she was pregnant or had a new baby to care for?
As much as she longed for a baby … as much as she longed for Georg's baby … she simply didn't know how she would manage it. The possibility was a burden that was weighing more and more on her mind, and she was bearing it alone. Again, she thought the words 'please help me.'
She was silent for several moments, not sure if she was specifically waiting for an answer or simply communing silently with God. Then, like a light turning on in her mind, she remembered the mission she had learned during her time as a postulate at the abbey: to find out what is the will of God and to do it whole heartedly.
It had been the will of God that she be a governess, and then mother, to seven children. She could never have imagined a more perfect or blessed life than she was living as their mother. It had been the will of God for her to love and be the wife of Georg Von Trapp, and that had brought her a joy and a maturity that she had never known before. It had been the will of God that they leave Austria and come to Switzerland and she was sure this life would reveal blessings they could never have dreamed of. God had been with her every step of the way, and she knew that He wasn't going to leave her now.
Maria also remembered how startled she was to hear that there were seven children in the Von Trapp family. Seven had seemed like so many – too many. Yet even though she sometimes felt stretched as their mother, she couldn't imagine life without a single one of her beloved children. And together those children formed their own family unit of brother and sisterhood that she loved to observe. The children were so much more than her responsibility, they were the loves of her life, they were the children of her husband, they were siblings who were completely devoted to each other even when they quarreled. God had not erred in creating this family. When it came time to expand this family, she was certain God would not err in that either.
Maria remembered how much she trusted God and knew that he would not give her – or them – anything less than a blessing. If and when she was to become pregnant, it would be the will of God, it would bless the entire family, and she would embrace it whole heartedly.
Grateful for the lessons she learned at the abbey, she whispered a soft "thank you, Mother" to the Reverend Mother. After a few more moments of prayer, she picked up Kurt's shirt and began sewing it again.
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As Georg began the walk up into the mountains he had no idea what was weighing on his wife's mind. If he had, he would have been all the more convinced of his mission. But now that he was sure of and on this mission, his mind turned to other troubles.
He was acutely aware of the fact that he had 30 days since they had entered the country to register his presence with Swiss officials. If he failed to do so and was found, he and his family could be considered illegal immigrants, and the odds were that, as Austrians, they would be handed over to German officials. Everything they had fought for this last week would be lost.
They were not a small family, they could not easily hide. It was far better, he decided, to obey the law and register with Swiss officials.
But how? As Herr Trapp, a humble working man? As Baron and Captain Von Trapp, an aristocratic and former military man? He had no desire to call attention to himself as a sea captain, or as a decorated war hero. Yet if he were to be dishonest and was found out anyway, how would be explain why he had lied?
Georg was a man of integrity and of courage. If he had been less of a man he may well have gone along with the Anschluss and kept his head down, doing what he was commanded to do. He was not less of a man. He had already put his family through quite an ordeal because he could not compromise himself. He would not compromise himself now and thus potential threaten their future. No, he would have to go to the Swiss authorities, register himself as Baron and Captain Von Trapp, and officially ask for political asylum. Though once a war hero he was now a conscientious objector. Now that he was in a politically neutral country he could not be forced to fight and probably die for a cause he disagreed with.
The more he thought about this, the more convinced he became that it was the right plan. Honesty was always best. He couldn't remember when he had last consciously or intentionally lied. Granted, he hadn't been honest with himself or with Elsa, but that had been unintentional. He still berated himself for his behavior towards her. He knew he had hurt her, and he still carried the guilt of that. Yet there was no other way his life could have unfolded but with Maria by his side.
Honesty, yes. And political asylum. This way he would retain his title. The value of holding on to the title and the aristocracy wasn't so much a matter of pride, but it meant there would be less to hide. His wealth would make sense. He and his family could live in Dorfli as the Von Trapps rather than the Trapps, and they would be legal and wealthy immigrants.
Georg also knew that all of the bank statements proving his wealth would help. There was no fear that he would be a burden to the Swiss economy. His money would help the economy more than anything else. Once again, best to be honest about his wealth and his title – it would only help his cause.
He was so relieved to have answered this question for himself that his feet actually felt lighter on the path he climbed. He couldn't wait to tell Maria. Before he knew it he was approaching the valley where Herr Kramer lived.
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Herr Kramer was working in his barn, settling back into his accustomed solitude. Although the solitude was a relief, he missed the laughter, the music, and he missed Maria. He had almost felt like he was gaining a daughter when they had stayed with him. He often wondered how she was settling into her new home in Dorfli and how all of the children were doing. 'They must be happy to have actual beds,' he thought to himself. And as much as he missed Maria he was glad for her to be reunited with her husband. It had been obvious to him how much she had missed Georg Von Trapp. She must be happy and he was happy for her.
He was lost in these musings as he worked, cleaning out the four goat stalls. The last thing he expected was a polite knock on the wall next to the open door.
Herr Kramer so rarely got visitors that he assumed it must be one or more of the Von Trapps. He turned around and was not surprised to see the husband and father of that family. Herr Kramer was surprised to realize how glad he was to see this man. He put his shovel down and approached Georg who had his hand outstretched in greeting.
There wasn't much for these two men to say as both of them preferred to come to the point quickly. They had already recognized that quality in each other.
"I didn't expect to see you back here so soon," began Herr Kramer, "although I can't say you're an unwelcome sight. Your family is all well?"
"Yes, we are all well," Georg replied, "but I – we – need your help." "Again," he added with a rueful smile.
"What do you need?" Herr Kramer asked simply.
Georg took a deep sigh. He knew of this man's fatherly affection for Maria and almost didn't want to tell him how much work she was mired in, but that was why he had come. "It's Maria," he began. "She's fine," he added quickly, seeing the concern in the other man's eyes, "but she's over worked, and I need to find help in Dorfli. I need to find help I can trust. I didn't know where else to go."
"I see," responded Herr Kramer. "How is she over worked and what sort of help do you need?" he asked, once again, to the point.
"We don't want the whole of Dorfli to know that we arrived without clothes and each need a complete wardrobe, so she's try to sew one for nine different people," Georg explained. "And we didn't know who to let into our home, so on top of that she's cooking for all of us as well. She needs a break, and we need her back."
Herr Kramer could see the dilemma, and also could see what an impossible situation it was for Maria. He thought for a minute or so, and then gestured for Georg to follow him into his house. Once in the house Tobias pulled out some of the paper and then pen that Pietr had brought, and began writing a few letters. At one point he glanced up and saw a mild look of surprise on Georg's face. He raised his eyebrows. "You thought I didn't know how to write?" he asked with some amusement.
"I … hadn't thought about it … one way or another," Georg stammered awkwardly. He so often felt out of his element with this man, and yet liked him so much. It occurred to him that if they had not fled Austria the way they had he would never have had the opportunity to know Tobias Kramer, and he would never have been aware of the loss.
"How would you know?" Tobias asked rhetorically, still amused, and Georg relaxed again. Tobias went back to writing his letter.
Eventually, Tobias had written three letters. Georg hadn't been sure what he expected, but it hadn't been letters.
"These two," Tobias said handing to the top two over to Georg, "are Pietr's older sisters. I believe they know how to sew well, and will be glad of the work." He pulled out the third letter and but held on to it. "This one, he explained, is for the Grandmother's granddaughter." He saw the look of confusion on Georg's face. "Right," he amended, "you weren't here long enough to hear of or meet the Grandmother."
Tobias signed and began to explain. "She lives across the alm with her son and her granddaughter. Her son is a farmer, like me, but with two more mouths to feed there's never quite enough. The granddaughter, Anna, will be a good cook for you, and the money will be a relief for them." "It will be good if she can live in your house so she doesn't have to make this walk twice a day," he added.
Georg nodded in understanding. This was exactly what he had been hoping for, and apparently the work would benefit these women as well. 'More open windows?' he thought to himself with a small smile.
"I trust all of them," Tobias added.
"That's good enough for me," Georg responded.
The two men looked at each other in mutual understanding, almost smiling, but not quite.
"These letters," continued Tobias, "tell them who you are, what you need, and to use discretion." "Take those two," he said, gesturing to the two he had given Georg, "to the address on them. I'll deliver this one to the grandmother's house. It will be easier that way, she just lives across the alm. Anna will be at your house tomorrow morning ready to make you breakfast."
Georg sighed with relief. This was more than he had expected. "And Georg," Tobias added, "treat them well."
"I will," Georg promised. "And I will pay them fairly as well." He realized there was no pointed in staying any longer and he was eager to get back home. "Thank you, my friend," he concluded.
"Georg," Tobias called, startling him. "Give my greetings to your family."
Georg looked over his shoulder with a small smile and an understanding nod. The two men waved in farewell.
Georg had what he needed and Tobias was glad to be able to do a good turn for some friends by getting them steady employment. They parted satisfied and glad to have seen each other.
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When Georg got home he found and Liesl and Maria in the kitchen making dinner. It smelled good, but he was glad she was going to have help from now on. He greeted his daughter and then wrapped his arms around his wife, careful not to disturb her too much as she stood in front of the hot stove.
"When you're free," he told her, "I need to talk to you."
Maria thought of all the things she hadn't said and now wanted to say to Georg. "What a good idea," she responded wearily, but with satisfaction.