Chapter Thirty -Five
April 5, 1961
12:07am
"What wrong?" Curtis asked as he hurried back to Maria.
"She says she having a lot more pain, no afterbirth, and now a big gush, I can't tell what might be a normal post-natal bleed, blood from the episiotomy, or if she's got other oozing going on. BP is good, 100 systolic, pulse and resps are high."
Curtis nodded and checked Maria, "How are you feeling now, Maria? Did the pain lessen at all with the bleeding?"
Maria shook her head, "Something is wrong. I feel so much pressure, like I have to push again. Where is Georg? I need Georg."
"Right now it's my guess Georg is being held back by your sons and Max. I told him to wait, I need to check you and I can't have him panicking in my ear while I do it."
Curtis began a quick exam, "I'll be damned,"he said then started to laugh. "Maria, you're going to have to be really brave for me and try to take this just a little longer. Marta, why don't you go and get your Father, have him leave the baby out there with Liesl. He has some more work to do."
Marta hurried to collect Georg. She could tell by Curtis' demeanor that this was not a grievous emergency.
While Curtis was examining Maria, the rest of the family was trying to console and calm Georg. He was trying not to show his fear now that he had disguised his emotions as prayer. He didn't want to scare the rest of the family.
Max knew Georg better than anyone. He stepped up just like he always had. "Georg, let's go get some air. Come on, air and a little walk. Let me help you up."
The two older men went out on the porch while husbands consoled wives and wives consoled husbands. The tiny newborn boy was content for now with Brigitta who was letting him suckle on her fist as they waited for a bottle to be prepared.
When Max got Georg outside, Max simply wrapped his arms around Georg. "It's going to be okay. The cops aren't here for her, Curtis hasn't run out of the room with her. Take a deep breath and think about that beautiful baby boy, what a precious birthday gift."
Georg wiped at his eyes. "If I lose Maria, I cannot lose her Max. She is…she is why I breathe, why I fight everyday for…She is everything!"
"I know," Max soothed. He really did know too. He loved Brianna so much, he couldn't even explain it. He knew it was like that for Georg and Maria, maybe even more so.
"I never should have agreed to this, I never should have said…I cannot do this Max..I cannot raise this little boy without his Mother, I cannot grieve for another wife, I can't. I have to be in there!"
"You can't be," Max soothed. "You have to let Curtis work. They will come if they need you and you don't want that."
When Marta entered the parlor, and called out for Georg she was surprised she didn't find him tending to her new brother. Brigitta and Lida were doing that. Lida seemed very experienced with upset new babies. She must have seen several at the orphanage. "Where's Father?"
"Max took him outside," Brianna replied. "He's really distraught."
Marta nodded and hurried to the back patio. She saw Georg in Max's arms struggling to calm his breathing down. "Father" Marta moved closer. "Curtis says you should come now. He said it isn't it isn't an emergency, but you need to come."
Georg took a deep breath. He wanted to be strong for Maria and for the rest of the family, however, the one thing that made him so was Maria. How could he be brave and strong with her in danger?
Marta took Georg's hand. "Come, Papa, Mother is in pain and she needs you. Curtis says it's not an emergency, try not to be upset."
Georg nodded and took Marta's arm for support as they walked back to the bedroom where Maria lie.
"Just in time," Curtis told Georg. "Maria keeps asking what's happening and I wanted to tell you together."
"Is she going to be all right?" Georg took Maria in his arms. She wearily and tearfully laid her head on his chest. "I'm here, my Darling," Georg whispered. "I'm here. I'm here."
"Curtis, I feel so much pressure, can you just do whatever it is?" Maria begged. "I'm so tired, but it hurts too much!"
"It might for just a little longer, Maria," Curtis replied. "You have another baby in there. You're having twins."
"What?!" Georg exclaimed. "Twins! How did we not know…"
Maria laid back in tears. She didn't have the strength to do this again. "Georg, no," she sobbed. "I can't, I can't…"
"I'm afraid you have to, my dear," Georg comforted. "Is she ready to push again?"
"Yeah, baby's crowning," Curtis replied. "Maria on the next contraction push hard. Georg, let's turn her so that her legs are off the bed and you sit behind her, support her back."
Maria was in such a haze of fatigue and pain she didn't truly comprehend what Curtis said. Georg did as he was asked wanting this over for Maria and himself.as soon as possible.
Curtis positioned Maria so that the birth canal pointed down toward the floor and he could use gravity to help Maria push the second baby out without extending the episiotomy."Marta, go get two of your sisters I need help keeping her legs up. We have to help her get the baby out quickly."
Marta returned a moment later with Louisa and Lida, each held a leg so that Maria didn't have to use any of her waning strength. "Whenever you're ready, Maria. Marta, fundal pressure. Push, Maria…"
Maria gave it all she had and pushed, her entire body shaking with effort. She did this every 20 to 30 seconds for the next ten minutes. "Okay, head is out," Curtis instructed. "Louisa switch with Georg, Georg come bring your 12th child into the world."
Georg kissed Maria on the cheek then eased her over to Louisa so he could guide his 12th baby into this life.
As Maria gave one final push, the little body slid out into Georg's waiting hands. Lida watched as Curtis cut the cord and Georg cradled the newborn against his heart. That's what Maria meant when she said "he loved you first". She had been born just like that, into the strong, warm, guiding hands of the man that didn't have to love her. She choked back tears.
Louisa and Marta positioned Maria back on the bed. Lida held Maria's hand and sponged off her brow while Georg and Curtis took the baby to be examined. Maria was too exhausted to even ask the gender.
When Curtis finished the exam and recorded the second, unexpected birth, Georg brought the second baby to meet the rest of the family. The baby was passed around for a quick greeting then handed back to Georg. He struggled.for a moment balancing both babies, but habit took over. "How's Mama?" Julia asked.
"She's exhausted, I need to feed them and get them back to her. Did he eat?"
Brigitta nodded, "Yes, a couple ounces. He did really well, he's a natural."
Georg smiled, "I think you should all head home, come tomorrow afternoon to see your Mama. She needs her rest. Max, you stay?"
Mac nodded and cuddled Bri close to him, kissing her red hair. The look on Georg's face as he cuddled his newest children was something to see.
Curtis stepped put of the bedroom. "She's ready to see her babies. I stitched her up and Marta is helping her change into a clean nightgown. Lida is changing the bed with Louisa, you can go back in."
Georg met Curtis' eyes, "Thank you. I mean it, thank you for everything, for taking care of Maria, for saving my life, for two well born babies. Thank you."
Curtis nodded, there was too much emotion in his throat to speak. Georg understood that all too well.
Maria's eyes were closed when Georg approached the bed. The three girls peeked at the babies then stepped out to give their parents privacy. "Georg, are they all right? I didn't know, how didn't I realize…"
Georg shook his head, "Miracles are strange things, Darling. Do you want to hold your new sons?"
Maria pushed her eyes fully open, "Sons? We have two sons?"
Georg nodded "The older one has a full head of dark hair, he is 6lbs, 3oz. The younger one was 5lbs 11oz and has Max's hair line, I'm afraid."
Georg handed Maria one baby at a time then stood silent, letting her adjust to the idea of two newborn boys.
"They need names," Maria whispered. "But I'm too tired to think. I just want to hold them. I just want you to hold us.'
Georg smiled softly, that sounded Iike a good idea to him.
June 4, 1961
Church of the Blessed Sacrament
Maria and Georg stood, each holding one of their tiny new sons in their arms, at the baptismal font at the front of the church. To Maria's right stood Marta and Brianna and to Georg's left, Curtis and Friedrich. Father stood in front of them in ceremonial robes preparing to baptize the new babies.
Maria had a slow recovery but very steady. The held from all of her children and grandchildren had gotten her through, though none like Georg. He had been tireless in his tender, efficient care of her and the newborn babies.
Now, it was time for the baptism.
Father asked Georg and Maria, "What names have you given these children?"
Maria presented the older baby, their son with ocean blue eyes and unruly black hair that already looked so much like his Papa it was nearly unbelievable. "He is Karl Werner," Maria said softly
They had chosen the name Karl Werner for Maria's biological father and Georg's brother that had passed away in the war.
Georg stepped up with the younger, smaller infant and said "Rupert Johannes."
The baby boy in Georg's arms kicked his feet wildly. He was so fair and blonde no one could make out the hair on his teeny head. Johannes was in honor of Georg's father, while Rupert was Max' choice. Max insisted that if they weren't going to name the boy after him, he got to choose what they named the little one. Lucky for Max, Maria and Georg liked the name.
"What do you ask of this Church?" Father asked.
"Baptism," Maria and Georg replied making the promises required of them to have their sons brought into the church.
Father turned to Marta and Brianna, and Curtis and Friedric to ask them "Are you ready to help the parents of these children in their duty as Christian parents?"
"We are," the little group replied.
Father continued, "Karl and Rupert the Christian community welcomes you with great joy. in its name I claim you for
Christ our Savior by the sign of his cross. I now trace the cross on your forehead, and
invite your parents and godparents to do the same."
No one in the family had ever felt so blessed as they did in that moment. Maria was blessed and welcomed as pure into the church after giving birth. When it came time to present the boys for the final step in their baptism, the proud parents stood back and watched as their chosen four held the squirming babies.
"Karl Werner," Father professed. "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen."
Little Karl kicked his legs firmly and cried at the top of his voice, complaining loudly. Maria laughed and snuggled Georg, "He really is your son."
When it was Rupert's turn, he lay placidly and cooed as Father blessed him, "Rupert Johannes, I baptize you in the name.of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."
The ceremony concluded with final prayer, then the family traveled back to the farmhouse for a party. Even a party for just the family included close to 40 people. There was one person there however Georg didn't recognize. He was a tall, handsome younger man that seemed to have all of Lida's attention. Georg nudged Maria, "Is that…"
Georg tried, but he didn't take the news of Lida's desire to return to Pennsylvania well at all. Nor did he like the idea of her being in love with the orphanage director, but she was and he could see it. This time she had been open and honest with them and had invited Andrew to Stowe to meet the family.
"Georg," Maria warned. "He's a nice man. Tell Papa, say "He's a nice man"," she cooed at baby Karl.
"Why can't they stay this way? So young and small…" This as both newborns started to kick up a fuss to be fed.
"Because Darling, if they did, we would all go totally insane from sleep deprivation and perpetual starvation," Maria replied. "Brianna, would you hold Karl and Rupert while I fix their bottles please. Georg," Maria said in a warning tone. "Be nice."
Georg gave a wry smile and shifted to give Maria a kiss. "I'm always nice. Sometimes I am very, very nice."
"Georg," Maria warned. "The boys are hungry. I'm going to feed them. Go introduce…"
Maria didn't finish her statement before Lida and Andrew approached. "These are my parents," Lida smiled and hugged Georg from the side. "Captain Georg von Trapp and Mrs. von Trapp. This is Andrew Manning, my boyfriend."
Maria smiled, "Maria," she corrected. "It is lovely to meet you, Andrew. If you will be so kind as to excuse me, the babies need to be fed."
"I'll help you, Mama," Lida offered. She never missed an opportunity to cuddle her new brothers.
That left Georg and Andrew alone in the crowded room. Andrew took a deep breath then made a near fatal error and followed Maria's form of address. Curtis and Mathias stood by watching them. When they heard it, the both flinched. "Georg…" Andrew began.
Georg bristled, "You may call me Captain," Georg replied.
"He's sunk," Matthias whispered to Curtis.
"Oh yeah," Curtis agreed with a chuckle.
Georg took Andrew to his study. The dreaded study, nothing good happened in there, not usually.
Georg sat down behind the mahogany desk he had worked so hard to acquire when they arrived in America. He loved that desk. Julia was likely conceived on that desk. Perhaps some good things did happen in the study. "Sit please."
Andrew sat. Lida had told him how formal and old-world Georg could be. "Captain,"he finally said. "Thank you so much for welcoming me into your home today. In the few months I've known Lida I've learned that she admires you and your wife both greatly. She loves and respects you deeply."
Georg nodded, "Lida is a very special girl. Smart, beautiful, charming…and fragile, whether she knows it or not. Are you capable of handling such a girl?"
"Woman," Andrew corrected. "Lida is young, but she is a woman. She has a woman's heart and soul. She loves with all she is and that woman has touched my soul and the hearts of so many young orphans in my orphanage in Carlisle. They respond to her, and after meeting Maria for only a couple minutes I can see where she gets that."
It seemed Andrew knew what to say to start to coax Georg to his side. "I want to tell you, Captain, that Lida and I have developed deep and real feelings for each other. I want to ask you if I can pursue her in a relationship intent on a marriage. Something I will ask you about in the future you can be sure."
Georg sighed, "Well, you are already a step up from the last young man, you had the courage to come and speak to me face to face and not through my daughter. I admire that. You have what career?"
Andrew explained about the orphanage and his families considerable wealth. "I can take care of Lida, Captain," Andrew assured Georg. "I am in love with her. She is an amazing woman, she has looked for her life and for herself and she found it. You and Maria, Mrs.von Trapp gave her the foundation but what Lida has made of herself since I met her is all her own strength. She told me about her conception, her birth, what happened between ya'll. She's lost sleep over it, she's cried over it, now she is ready to move past it and I want to be there with her. I would lay down my life for Lida, I would die for her, but more than that Captain, I will to live for her."
That did it. Georg didn't like the idea at all of his Lida Rose wanting to be with any man, but he felt that familiar pang in his gut as Andrew spoke. The one that said he no longer had to be concerned with Lida meeting the wrong guy, because in front of him sat the right guy.
The two men spoke a few more minutes, then Georg felt the need to get some air. He shook Andrew's hand and formally gave his permission for Andrew to pursue a relationship with Lida under the supervision of the church in Carlisle.
Andrew joined the party, but Georg made his way out to the back of the house. He was tired. His legs ached and his eyes stung. There was probably a reason most men didn't have babies at 71 and this was it. Maria too felt the difference but they wouldn't trade it.
Georg felt Lida's presence before he saw her. She moved close and threaded her hand through the crook of Georg's arm. "Did you like him, Papa?" Lida asked quietly.
Georg covered her hand with his own. "No," Georg sighed. "He is perfect for you, my Darling. I have every reason in the world not to like him. He's going to be the man that takes you away for good. I gave my consent.
Georg didn't look at Lida, just the horizon as he spoke. "I'm not going away, Papa. You were the first person to love me, even before Mama, and I can't…I don't even know how that feels, how to say it. When Mama had Rupert, and you took him from her body and held him in your arms, I saw myself, I saw me and I realized what you always said was true. You loved me first and there is always going to be a place deep in my heart that is only yours."
Georg turned and pulled Lida into his arms, his tears running freely down his cheeks. He didn't even bother to try to hide them. They had come a long way in a year. From well intended deception, to brutal truth, through painful, anger filled words, all the way to this tender moment that neither of them would change even if it meant they could have been spared all the pain.
Maria had put the boys down for their naps and went to seek out her husband. When she stepped outside her heart stopped. The scene in front of her could only be described as tranquil, her first born and her beloved husband in a tender, loving embrace. Maria knew that Georg and Lida had.made their peace, but seeing them holding one another warmed her heart.
Maria knew what Georg felt, she knew he wanted to hold on, but their little girl had grown up from a tiny baby into a beautiful woman ready to spread her wings and fly.
A/N:That's all she wrote, so to speak. There is a short epilogue coming tomorrow and there will be a short piece that shows glimpses of Lida and Georg specifically. Also, might get a peek at little Georg just for fun. :)