Forbidden – Chapter 9
Maria sat out in the garden, the fresh air making her queasy stomach feel marginally better. She'd taken off her wimple to let the gentle wind flow through her short, golden hair. She felt better not to have her head confined to her nun's wimple while she was outside.
The last few days had been somewhat easier for her now that the Reverend Mother knew about her pregnancy. She'd taken care of her and given her extra time apart from the other postulants to rest. While the Mother Abbess had never directly vented her anger, Maria knew how disappointed she was in her. However, the love and support the older nun had given her was exceptional. She had shown Maria love, kindness and forgiveness and Maria was very thankful for that.
Maria was so deep in thought that she didn't hear footsteps approach her. Suddenly a voice cut through the air. "Hello," Maria looked up to see Georg standing only a few meters away from her in the garden. "I thought I just might find you here." He punctuated his words almost playfully. Despite the smile on his face, he seemed nervous.
Maria was surprised to see him to say the least. Immediately she stood up to greet him.
"No, no, no, please sit down." He gestured to her. She sat back down, feeling a little uncertain to why he was there. "Uh, may I?" he asked, indicating to the seat next to her. Maria nodded.
They sat there together in an awkward silence. "Georg, why are you here?" Maria finally asked him.
"The Reverend Mother telephoned me," he confessed to her a little sheepishly.
She closed her eyes. Maria was certain she knew why the Reverend Mother had called him. "She told you, didn't she?"
"Yes she did," Georg told her, as he lifted her hand and kissed it gently. "But I want to know why you didn't want to tell me yourself."
"You know why," she stammered. "The scandal of our relationship is already big enough. And now we're having a baby together. I-I just couldn't put that on you."
"I know and I understand," he soothed as he wrapped one arm around her. Maria looked up at him. She had expected him to be upset or angry at her for not telling him about her pregnancy, yet she saw none of those things. Instead, she only saw love and devotion for her shining in his eyes.
Georg pulled her closer to him and into a loving embrace. "How do you feel?"
"Sick, tired, terrified," Maria confessed right away as she leant her head back onto his shoulder and placed her free hand on his chest.
"No reason to be scared. I'm here now," Georg quickly reassured her, giving her a light kiss on her temple.
"This is such a mess," Maria whispered as Georg ran one hand up and down her arm affectionately. "I'm so sorry."
"Why are you sorry, darling? This isn't your fault. I was there too, remember?" Maria smiled against his chest as she thought back to their many nights making passionate love to each other. "And you know something else Maria?" Georg continued as he moved his hand to rest lightly on her stomach. "I am absolutely delighted by this news."
Maria was surprised and lifted her head up. "You are? Even though it complicates everything?"
"I am and although it does complicate things in one way, in another way, this baby, our baby makes everything clear."
"What do you mean?" Maria asked.
"I mean that for too long I have been blinded by fear: the fear that Elsa will expose us, and the fear of this scandal will bring upon ourselves and the children. But I'm not blinded anymore, nor am I afraid of Elsa either. I am, however, afraid of one thing."
"What's that?"
"Losing you." Maria began to tremble with emotion as Georg continued. "Maria, you told me a month ago that with us it was all or nothing. Being apart from you has almost killed me. You are my all, I am nothing without you. I love you and I need you. What I've realized is our love is strong, so strong that it can withstand anything that is throw against us."
Georg let go of her for a moment to reach inside the breast pocket of his jacket and he pulled out his wallet. Opening it, he rummaged inside for a second before he pulled out the diamond ring he'd presented her with the night of the party, the night that changed everything for them. He held it out to her.
"I've been carrying this around with me since the night of the party hoping you'd change your mind. Maria, no matter what, I want us to be together. I want the opportunity to bring up our child together, to have a family with you. I want to marry you, and this time, I'm not taking no for an answer."
Maria stifled a sob, as she looked from the ring to his face, his expression full of love and emotion. "But what about the Baroness? And what about the children?"
"The Baroness? Leave her to me. It's about time I stood up to her, and even if that doesn't work, I have a plan." He winked at her. "As for the children, you do know how much they love you, don't you? They want you for a mother, not Elsa! They can't stand her. And besides, Elsa wants to send them away to boarding school. Ha! As if that's ever going to happen!" he snorted. He laced the fingers of his free hand through hers. "You once told me how my children are growing up so fast that one day I'd wake up and barely know them. Well they are growing up, all of them and I think we need to give them more credit to withstand the storm that will come when we marry."
Maria was silent as she considered everything Georg had just said to her. He reached out and tenderly caressed her cheek before tilting her face upwards so she was looking directly into his eyes. "Please Maria, I want you to marry me, I uh… ask you to marry me."
Maria felt all her resolve crumbling around her as the man she loved pleaded for her hand in marriage. Letting out a sob, she melted into his embrace, her lips finding his as they kissed softly. His lips left hers to travel all over her face, placing feather-like kisses over her nose, her cheeks, and her forehead, kissing away the tears of joy that were streaming down her face.
"I take it you're saying yes?" Georg asked as lifted her hand and slipped the stunning diamond ring onto her finger.
"Yes!" she breathed before they kissed again but more passionately this time. Again and again they kissed, fingertips caressing each other's faces lightly, until finally they pulled apart, both breathless. They grinned at each other before they both let out a little laugh then Georg pulled Maria into an affectionate hug.
On the other side of the garden, the Reverend Mother watched the loving couple embrace. She smiled to herself; happy Maria was reunited with her Captain then she turned around and returned to her office to make some telephone calls.
XxXxXxXxXxXx
An hour later, Georg left the Abbey feeling happier and more alive than he had in months. He and Maria had joined the Reverend Mother back in her office where she'd chastised them both again for their forbidden relationship, before congratulating them on their engagement. After several more phone calls and a long discussion about what was to happen next, Georg reluctantly left Maria to drive back to the villa.
As soon as he pulled up at the villa and entered the house, Georg went in search of Elsa. He found her in the parlor admiring a large bunch of flowers that Katia, the maid, was arranging for her. As soon as she saw Georg enter the room, she swept toward him and planted a wet kiss on his cheek.
"Georg, darling. There you are! I had wondered where you'd gotten to this morning."
"Just something I needed to attend to in town," he explained. Georg threw a look to Katia who immediately comprehended that he wanted to speak alone with Elsa. She curtsied then let the room.
"Now," Elsa gushed, a broad smile on her face. "How do you like the flowers? These are replicas of the ones that we'll have in the church and at the wedding reception. But first, Katia will arrange to have this lot moved to the hotel tomorrow when we all book in. Does that suit you, Georg?" she asked.
Georg cringed. He had almost forgotten that Elsa had persuaded him that they should book rooms at the Hotel Sacher for the week following the wedding. She hadn't been impressed when he'd insisted the children come to the hotel as well, but Georg had assured her that he would book her the biggest, grandest suite in the place and that he and the children would not disturb her on the other side of the building.
"Actually Elsa, there is something I wanted to talk to you about. Something important." Georg went and closed the door to the parlor as to not be overheard.
Suddenly her big smile faded. Elsa stared at him, her eyes narrowing. Almost as if she sensed what he was going to say, she remarked. "Georg, I hope you're not going to say what I think you're going to say."
"Elsa, it's no use, you and I…" he began. "When two people talk of marriage…"
"Georg stop, I don't want to hear it," Elsa immediately snapped. "You agreed to this marriage." Elsa spat as she turned away from him, beginning to pace the room.
"Yes, but under duress." Georg walked after her. "Elsa, don't you understand what it'll mean if we marry? It'll be a lie! A loveless marriage that I'm sure neither of us really wants to be in."
Elsa stopped and stuck her chin out defiantly. "I was in a loveless marriage once before, and it suited my purpose."
"But I wasn't," Georg told her earnestly. "I loved my late wife very much, and I had hoped that if I married again, it would be for love."
"Georg, you've told me time and time again that you don't love me, and I accept that, but I was hoping we could try and make things work. We have been getting on much better over the past month, haven't we?" Georg nodded, knowing it was true. Since completely ending his affair with Maria a month before after their encounter at his apartment, he had been at least trying to get on with Elsa, despite how much he still loathed her.
"Elsa, please, I don't want to do this. You have made your point, you've punished me enough, but now it's time to let it go."
"No!" Elsa whipped around, her eyes like daggers. "Two days! Our wedding is in two days and you expect me to call it off? No Georg, I will not be humiliated by you again."
"Again?" Georg questioned.
"Yes, again," Elsa cried. "The first time was when I caught you in bed with that trollop. You have no idea what a slap in the face that was!" she paused as she turned away from him again and whispered, "or how much you hurt me."
Suddenly Georg felt sorry for Elsa. He still despised her for everything she had done to him and Maria, but for a split second, he could almost see through her façade to see that she was a sad, wretched, heartbroken woman that all she wanted was to have a man love her.
But that man wasn't him.
Georg approached her gingerly and placed one hand on her shoulder. "Elsa, I am deeply sorry for everything." Elsa felt her anger starting to melt as Georg apologised and she reached up behind her to her shoulder and grasped his hand in return. "I meant what I said the day we came back from Vienna. In a way, you were my saviour because you brought meaning back into my life when there was no meaning left, and I am truly grateful for that. I know you were expecting more from me and I'm sorry I hurt you." A tear ran down Elsa's cheek as Georg talked to her. "But the way you found out about Maria… it wasn't how I wanted you to find out."
However at the mention of Maria's name, Elsa became furious once again. She dropped his hand and wriggled out of his grasp. She spun around, her eyes on fire. "Don't you ever say her name to me again!" she screamed in anger.
She got right up close in Georg's face. "Now, you listen here," she hissed. "Our wedding is in two days. We will be married, or else I will carry out my threats to tell everyone about you and her. Remember that." Elsa flared her nostrils defiantly and narrowed her eyes in a death stare.
An instant later, the expression on her face softened, like nothing had just happened between them, and she smiled a broad fake smile. "Darling, I need to finish my packing before we all of us go to the hotel tomorrow. I'll see you at dinner tonight." She placed another wet kiss on his cheek before brushing past him and sweeping out of the room.
Georg ran his hand through his hair and rubbed the corner of his eye. He let out a defeated sigh. He'd tried to talk to her, reason with her but it was no use. Georg knew he had no other option left than to carry out his plan. Georg locked himself in his study for the next few hours before we went to find Max.
Georg found him out on the back terrace coaching the children in a singing recital. At once Max stopped them singing and spluttered a pathetic excuse. "Georg, they were just singing for me."
Georg raised his eyebrows. "That's fine Max, for I know you know how I feel about my children singing in public. I'm sure you wouldn't be sneaking around behind my back trying to get them into the festival without my knowledge or consent."
Max chuckled, hearing the hint of sarcasm in Georg's voice. "Where on earth would you get that idea?"
"Hmm…" Georg rolled his eyes. "Very funny Max. But right now, I need a word with you. In private." He glanced at the children. "My study. Now." Georg turned on his heel and re-entered the house, obliging Max to follow dutifully behind him.
XxXxXxXxXx
"You're joking." Max exclaimed.
Georg poured himself and Max another drink then sat down next to his friend. "I assure you, I'm not."
"But Elsa? I just can't imagine she would…. Oh wait, yes I can." Max took a large sip of his whiskey. "And all this time, she's been blackmailing you?" Georg nodded. "I mean, Georg, telling me that you don't have any romantic feelings towards Elsa, that I can believe. I've never seen an engaged couple any less in love that you and Elsa. I had just assumed the two of you had decided to marry out of convenience and to keep all your lovely money in the family, but to now hear this… My friend, I am truly shocked."
"I know," replied Georg.
"And Maria? You were having an affair with her all the entire time that she was governess to the children?"
"Not the entire time, but most of it, yes."
Max shook his head. "And I never suspected. I mean any fool could see the way you looked at each other, especially that night you sang for the children. And even at the party, I caught the two of you staring at each other across the room as the children bid goodnight to the guests, but an affair? I never thought you were the kind of man who would bed the help."
"Max, it wasn't like that," Georg instantly protested. "Despite my vast experience with women before my marriage to Agathe, I have never looked at another woman that way until I met Maria. I love her very much."
"Yes, but most people in your position would do the proper thing. You know: courtship, engagement, marriage, then sex, not the other way around."
"It just happened Max," Georg sighed as he took another drink. "Things did move quickly, that's true, but we got to know each other very well. Maria is an incredibly passionate and sensual woman. But then Elsa caught us. It was horrible." He shuddered at the memory.
"Yes, I can imagine," agreed Max. "But the way you agreed to her demands, it isn't like you."
"I know but it was Maria's choice to leave to try and protect the children from the scandal. Maria has given up a lot for me and my children and now it's time for me to stand up and do what I should have done initially."
"Because Maria is expecting your child?"
"No, because I love Maria, and I want marry her and have a family with her. Honestly I should have done the right thing by her straight away rather than participate in this façade of a relationship with Elsa."
"Have you spoken to Elsa about this?" Max asked.
"I've tried again just now to convince her to put an end to it, but Elsa is determined. She wants to go through with the marriage even though she knows I do not love her. It's about status and position to her, claiming a prize, not to mention punishing me for loving Maria."
"So that's it. You're just going to jilt her at the altar? No warning, no nothing?"
Georg pulled out an envelope from his pocket and handed it to Max. "No, you're going to give this to her on the wedding day."
"A letter? Georg, really." Max seemed appalled.
"Max, it's the only way. By the time you make the announcement, we'll be over the border."
"And you're really leaving Austria?" Max questioned. "Georg, you realise some people will label you as cowardly."
Georg flinched. It was the second time that day that someone had referred to him as cowardly. For most of his life bravery and honor were things he strived for and upheld, and being called a coward went against everything in his character.
Georg stood and walked over to his desk. "Cowardly? No, staying here and submitting to Elsa's demands would be cowardly. Standing up for my family and the woman I love against all odds is bravery in my book."
Georg turned back around to face Max. "Max, you and I both know the Anschluss is coming. Tomorrow, next week, next month, who knows?" Max nodded in agreement. "But when it comes, there will be no more Austria. I will have no more allegiances here. My only allegiance will be to my family, and that includes Maria. And when the Nazi's invade, no doubt they'll offer me a commission in their navy that I'll be requested to accept." Georg paused as he took another sip of his whiskey. "To join them would be unthinkable, and to refuse them would be fatal to us all." Georg stopped and looked hard at Max. "Max, many months ago I already made up my mind to take the children and leave Austria and flee the Nazis as soon as the Anschluss occurs. But leaving now just means that I have a bit of a head start on them."
Max rose from his seat and went and offered his hand to Georg. The two men shook hands as Max said, "Georg, I'll miss you. I'll miss all the money I could make with you all."
Georg chuckled. "Well, you'd only make money from me if I ever agreed to put the children in the festival, which I would not."
"You can't blame a man for trying can you?" Max laughed has he slapped Georg on the back. "Honestly Georg, I'm sorry it has come to this. What Elsa has done is despicable and I do understand why you're leaving so I wish you well."
"Thank you my friend."
XxXxXxXxXx
Georg took his time speaking to the children that night, explaining what was about to happen. At first they were confused, then they were elated that their father wasn't going to marry the Baroness.
After giving them careful instructions and swearing them to secrecy, the children packed, not for a wedding then a week's stay at an exclusive hotel, but for fleeing the country. Only taking minimal clothing and special mementoes and keepsakes, they packed light. The following day, the entire von Trapp family, Elsa and Max left the villa for the Hotel Sacher. Elsa, not bothered with spending any more time with the children than she had to, kept to herself which allowed Georg to make final arrangements with the Abbey.
The next day was the wedding day. Elsa spent several hours at a glamorous salon in preparation for the midday wedding. She had brought with her several ladies maids to help her dress in her wedding gown and set her hair. With such a busy morning, she didn't expect to see either Georg or the children so she hadn't noticed anything was amiss until the wedding car pulled up outside the cathedral in Mondsee.
Right away Elsa realized something wrong due to the amount of people hovering outside the church. They should have all been seated inside awaiting her arrival. When she got out of the car, one of her closest friends, the Baroness von Arnstein immediately hurried over to her and whispered something in her ear.
"What was that?" Elsa exclaimed. "Georg's not here yet?" She looked wildly around the mingling crowd for some sort of explanation. Her head began to spin. He had to be there, he had to be coming. She kept telling herself. She hoped and prayed that Georg was merely running late, that he was still on his way but she had a sinking feeling deep down in the depths of her stomach.
As she still looked around, searching for answers, Max approached her. Silently he handed her the letter.
With trembling hands, Elsa opened it and scanned the contents. At once she didn't know whether to cry or scream. Closing her eyes, she scrunched up the piece of paper and threw it on the ground in anger. Her whole body shaking in rage, she shrieked: "Where is he? Where is he?"
She pivoted on the spot to stomp back to her car to somehow go on a wild goose-chase to find Georg, but a strong hand on her arm stopped her. Elsa looked up at Max. "Elsa, he's gone."
XxXxXxXxXx
By the time Elsa had read the letter, Georg had gone. Earlier that morning, he had taken the children to the Abbey where he had married Maria in a small, private ceremony arranged by the Reverend Mother. Maria was a beautiful bride wearing the light blue dress she'd worn the night of the puppet show, while Georg wore a simple dark navy suit. The children looked on in happiness as Maria and their father said their vows to each other. Maria and Georg sealed their union with a sweet kiss and long embrace, both overwhelmed with happiness to finally be together.
Afterwards, Georg had driven the entire family across the border to Zurich where he sold the car before they bordered the overnight train to Paris.
And now Georg lay alongside his wife watching her sleep as the morning rays of light entered their tiny compartment. The previous night, Maria had practically collapsed into bed, the early stages of her pregnancy as well as the emotionally and physically exhausting day contributing to her fatigue. They hadn't made love that night, but Georg didn't mind. There would be plenty of time for that. He was just thankful that she was in his arms. Their forbidden relationship was forbidden no more. Married until death do them part, now and forever.
A/N: So this is the end, although I will post an epilogue in a few days time. Thank you to everyone who has read, followed, favourited and reviewed this story. Please review once again, and let me know what you think of the ending! Thank you!