Chased from their home

Daylight had barely broken as the couple shared their first kiss of the new day in the hall near Georg's study. "Did you get some sleep, Maria?"

"I did. My dreams must have helped me. Did you?"

"The same way you got some sleep. I spoke to Franz this morning; he surprised me."

"How?"

"I fully expected him to stay here. I knew he didn't think Hitler was a bad ruler. He told me he knew now he's not who he appeared to be. He'll be coming with us."

"I'm glad. He's a nice man. What about Max?"

"He's going to stay because he felt if he left with us it may alert Zeller who's now using the title Gauleiter. He seems to always be at the Festival Hall."

"Georg, Rolf did call him Gauleiter Zeller. Rolf also called me your mistress."

"I'm not surprised. He's so pompous; he loves to hear himself speak. Max plans to get an apartment in town. And he also has plans to leave after the Festival in Salzburg; he'll be able to travel to the festival in Lucerne Switzerland and will go on to England."

"Are we going to stay in Switzerland?"

"Only for as long as it takes me to make contact with an American naval officer. I'm sure he will sponsor all of us to be able to immigrate to America. I told Max my plan; maybe in time he will join us.

"Is it time to call the Reverend Mother?"

"Yes, she should be in her office."

"I'll place the call and then slip out to give you some privacy."

Maria heard Georg speak to the telephone operator. "Please connect me with the Mother Abbess at Nonnberg Abbey."

Maria took the receiver from Georg. "I won't be long." And Georg left his study.

She heard it ring twice before the Reverend Mother answered it. Maria heard.

God's Blessing. This is the Mother Abbess,

"Mother, it's Maria!"

Praise the Lord. Did the captain find you?

"Yes, Mother he did. And through prayer, I discovered I didn't belong in a convent. God wanted me to spend my love in another way. I can love God and Georg. I've found my life with him and his children."

I'm really happy for you, dear.

"We are both happy; but sad at the same time. I'm sure you know all about the Germans annexing Austria soon."

Yes, I do know. I also realize what it would mean to the captain. I'm sure he plans to leave Austria very soon.

"Yes, he does."

Don't tell me where you are going, that way I can be truthful if I'm ever asked.

"Georg is being cautious too. Mother, I'll always remember you. You helped me find how to spend my love. I love Georg very much."

He must love you in the same way. The man was desperate to find you. Tell him he has my blessing. Maybe, in time, you could send a letter to me through the church.

"Yes, maybe I will be able. I better go before seven children find me."

And I will bless you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

"Thank you, goodbye Mother."

The Reverend Mother had thoughts about what she didn't share with Maria. It was about a young man Sister Bertha had reported she saw hanging around near the gate. He had appeared about two weeks after Maria had left the Abbey. Neither knew who he was.

Maria left Georg's study and found him sitting in a chair at the other end of the great hall.

"The Reverend Mother sends you her blessing. Maybe when we get to America, I can send her a letter."

"Yes, sweetheart you will be able."

"Are the children awake, yet?"

"Oh, they are and ready to play."

"Who helped Gretl and Marta with their hair?"

"Liesl has been helping them since you left. You told me she wasn't a child anymore. I learned what you meant while you were gone. Did you know they came to the Abbey to see you?"

"Yes, Sister Margareta told me."

"They were late for dinner when they returned. I questioned them. And Liesl questioned me. She said something like, if you don't believe us then you must have some idea of where we were. She cocked her head like Agathe used to do. And then I remembered what you had told me about her.

"Every day you were gone she read them a story at night and was there in the morning to help them with their hair. And I also saw Louisa spend time with them during the day. She would play that silly card game called Slap Jack with them."

"Are you ready to tell them our plans?"

"More than ready, let's go find them. I'm sure my hungry son is already in the dining room."

Isabel smiled when they walked in holding hands. And it became even broader when she heard.

"Maria, I'm surprised Kurt isn't here. Since neither is Liesl, I want you to sit in her place."

Seven children's voices were heard as soon as they had descended the stairs. "Here they come, Maria."

"I wonder who will be the first to notice me."

Liesl didn't keep them wondering. "Father, why is Fräulein Maria sitting in my seat?"

Then she answered her question with a question. "Is it what I think it is? Is Fräulein Maria going to be our new mother?"

"With great pride, I announce that she is."

This time Georg didn't need to encourage them to give Maria a kiss; it was bedlam as they pushed and shoved each other to get close to her. Tears of happiness filled her eyes as she touched and kissed each one.

And Georg thought. Now my children have a mother who loves them. And together we can help them not to be too sad when we leave Austria.

For now the children seemed to forget that fact. All they wanted to do was spend time with both of them.

After breakfast was over, Maria fulfilled their wish. "Let's pack your bags now. Then we can spend the remainder of the day playing all kinds of games."

They willingly took her up on her idea. And Georg and Sidney went to see Father Stephan. He told them.

"This saddens me greatly. I know you are doing the correct thing by leaving now."

"And I know you will put my villa to good use. And Maria and I will pray that you remain safe. Here's the key to the front door. And you also have two cars for your use, mine and Sidney's."

"I don't drive much. But my caretaker does. The seminary students may find them useful. If you can, please get word to me that you are safe."

"I'll try, Father. We better go. Maria promised the children we would play games after they packed."

"You have my prayers, Georg. God will be with you."

"Thank you."

The two men began the short walk back to the villa. Each man's visual and hearing senses were on watch. Both were fearful of some eager Stormtrooper lurking about.

They arrived home grateful they had seen or heard nothing. The children were outside. They were engaged in a game of Freeze Tag. Kurt was now the IT person.

Georg and Sidney watched as Kurt had quickly frozen everyone including Maria. Now they paused to enjoy a glass of lemonade Katia had brought to the table. They casually joined them. And Georg was glad to see it wasn't pink. He knew pink lemonade would forever remind him of the day he told the children Elsa would be their new mother.

Soon the children were rested. Even Max joined Georg, Sidney, Kurt, Friedrich and Louisa in a game of kickball; Maria and the others played badminton. They ended the morning with that game of catch they had played with Elsa. This time they played it nicely; no one tossed the ball with the intent of scaring or hurting that person. Max inwardly smiled; he had seen their game with Elsa.

The afternoon brought one the usual afternoon rains. They found other ways to expend energy. They played relay races in the hall. They didn't even read.

And Katia prepared a dinner favorite, Weiner Schnitzel. And for dessert, the children's favorite chocolate cake with whipped cream was served. Later they sang for Max. Louisa asked.

"Fräulein Maria, are you going to bring your guitar?"

"Of course she is," Georg answered for her. "Children, it's past your bedtime. We will be waking you earlier than usual. Go on up. Maria and I will come say goodnight."

They walked into Gretl and Marta's room as Louisa was finishing their story. They were almost asleep. Georg and Maria kissed each one. They closed the door very quietly.

"Father, I might read like Brigitta usually does. Maybe it will help me fall asleep."

"I may do the same Father."

"That's fine. Neither of you require as much sleep as your little sisters do."

Maria was filled with motherly pride at seeing Liesl and Louisa care for their sisters. The couple walked with them to their rooms. They both had special words for Brigitta and the two boys. Then they returned to the sitting room where all the adults had gathered.

Katia asked. "What time do we need to leave here?"

"The first train to Italy leaves at seven-thirty. It should take us less than fifteen minutes to walk to the train station. So seven o'clock should be soon enough. I don't want to wait too long at the station. There's no need to cook breakfast."

"I didn't think so Georg. Isabel and I have been making pastries. We also have bottles of juice to take with us."

"And now we need to try and get some sleep. I expect all of us will wake early."

The adults agreed and left the room. Georg and Maria watched everyone leave. "We should go up too, Maria."

Georg stood and pulled her to her feet. They walked arm and arm to the stairs and all the way up. They stood outside Maria's room.

Georg could feel Maria's emotions by the way she clung to him. He drew her close and kissed her temple.

"We're going to be safe."

"My mind knows but I can't control my tense feelings."

"Maria, I know this area. Remember it was once part of Austria. It's too far south for there to be any eager Stormtroopers. The people who live there still dress as their ancestors did, in all the old Tyrolean clothes."

"So that's why you wanted me to wear my dirndl dress and you are wearing a Logan Green jacket."

"Correct, Stefan and Phillip's clothes make them look like workmen and Katia and Isabel are going to wear plain dresses, nothing that would distinguish them as a cook or housekeeper. And Sidney always wears clothes in shades of brown which make him look similar to a monk. No one will notice us, we'll blend in.

"We will have lunch before we board the bus. The bus uses a more direct route to Switzerland than a train does. In fact it should be a very enjoyable ride as the road twists and turns along the side of the mountains. We should be in Switzerland before dusk."

"I'm so glad your military mind has thought this through. I should be able to get some sleep. You need to sleep too, darling."

"I will sweetheart."

They kissed outside Maria's bedroom and Georg departed quietly.

After changing for bed, Maria set her clock's alarm for four-thirty although she knew she would probably wake up very early. Then she said her usual prayers. It would be the first line of the Rosary which would help her fall asleep.

Georg had also set his clock. His was a simple chant. He mumbled "God, thank you for Maria," over and over again before he too gave in to sleep.

Both woke before their alarms went off. Maria dressed in a hurry. She placed the remainder of her things in her bag. She placed it near her door where the small backpack Stefan had found for her was already packed with coloring pages, crayons and a few books for the little girls. Her guitar was there too. Now she went to find Georg.

He was waiting for her at the foot of the stairs. His bag and knapsack were already by the kitchen door.

The couple embraced and kissed. "Katia has fresh coffee for us in the kitchen."

They stood with Isabel and Max and sipped their coffee. In moments the children surprised them by arriving there all dressed and ready to leave. Katia had juice prepared for them.

Stefan and Phillip joined them after they brought everyone's bags and backpacks down. They too were placed near the kitchen door. And there was time for them to have a cup of coffee.

Georg noted the time; it was ten minutes to six. "Children, Uncle Max is responsible for the festival. He has plans to leave for Switzerland almost as soon as it is over."

"Uncle Max, will we see you in Switzerland?"

"I'm not sure Friedrich. But I assure you I will be safe. Come give me hugs before you leave."

They did. Max shook hands with the other men. Isabel and Katia received a kiss on their cheek. He had special words for Maria.

"You my dear are a remarkable woman. You brought love back into this family. You and Georg make the perfect couple."

"You're far too kind. Take care and stay safe."

Max turned to Georg. Their hand shake spoke volumes. And when Max grabbed his arm for a manly hug, Georg knew he was leaving at the right time. He whispered.

"Keep clear of Zeller, he's nothing but trouble."

"I plan to. You better get on your way."

And so without any more words, the group picked up their bags and Max watched them take the path which led to the train station. And no one looked back.

Max didn't hang around the villa. He didn't trust Herr Zeller. For that reason, Max exited the villa by the kitchen door. After locking the door, he placed the key in his pocket. He would find a way to get it to Father Stephan. And Max took another way into town.

He knew about a path from the back of the large estate which connected to a street past the church. He also knew very few people knew about it. He had heard the train's whistle; so he knew the family would soon be leaving Salzburg. He made it into town without a soul seeing him.

Max found a small apartment close to the Festival Hall. Later that day when he went there to discuss the program with the committee, he heard Herr Zeller talking to a young lad.

"Rolf, the von Trapp villa was locked up tight when I went there this morning. There were two cars in the back. I can't imagine where the Captain and that young woman went."

I don't know either. I do know I never saw Maria return to the Abbey."

Max's insides were chuckling as he thought. Apparently neither knows about the train station behind their pasture. But Max did know that they had arrived in Italy hours ago. He surmised they would be approaching Switzerland before night came. Now he could hardly wait for the Festival to be over so he could travel there.

He was absolutely correct. When the family arrived at the station, Georg found it as he had hoped. There were no other passengers waiting to board. Soon they heard the train's distant whistle. And the station master came from his office. He asked no questions. He knew Georg. He was not a German sympathizer; he was glad Georg was leaving on the train to Italy.

When the train got closer and sounded its whistle again, everyone jumped. And Brigitta asked. "Why does it have to be so loud?"

The station master answered. "It must be loud to warn anyone near the tracks to stay clear of them. It won't sound it again until you're on your way to Italy."

"That's good." Maria responded.

Now they watched as the train chugged into the station and come to a stop. The station master spoke again. "Looks like you will have the car all to yourselves."

And Georg wondered if that was planned. In minutes, all of them had boarded.