Chapter 4
Maria awoke to the sound of the children playing outside. She had left her window slightly open the night before.
The night before⦠she turned over and could see the intent of where Georg had been that night. So it wasn't a dream, she thought. That night had been the most magical night, Georg had professed his love to her, and her to him, and they had spent the whole evening together. Maria's face blushed at the thought.
Maria had no concept of what time it was, so she quickly glanced at the clock to her left. 9:30! Maria had slept in! Why hadn't the children or Georg woken her? Maria frantically got up and dressed herself at lightning speed. Running down the steps of the villa, she stopped abruptly as the children came inside.
"Fraulein Maria!" the children exclaimed.
"My darlings, I am so sorry, I overslept. I've never done that before. Are you alright?"
"Oh yes, fraulein Maria, we're perfect!" Of course they were, they were the most perfect children she'd ever met.
Liesl spoke up then, "Father had to run into town with Uncle Max and we didn't want to wake you. Frau Schmidt has helped us with our schoolwork this morning!"
Maria's heart sank, that woman worked so hard, she felt guilty that she had had to take care of the children as well. That was Maria's job. At that moment, Frau Schmidt walked in from the terrace, following the children. The children went towards their schoolroom to continue work while Maria pulled Frau Schmidt to the side.
"I am so sorry Frau Schmidt. I've never overslept a day in my life."
"Oh, don't trouble yourself my dear, I was more than happy to help. The captain insisted you have a day off." And she walked away, stating that matter of factly.
A day off? Maria wouldn't know what to do with a day off. She decided to spend that time doing something productive for the children. She went out to the terrace and began to write down the lesson plans for the next several days so that the children wouldn't fall behind.
It must have been an hour before she heard movement from inside the house. Assuming it was the children coming out to visit her, she continued with the lesson plan so she could finish it quickly so she could play with them.
Paying no attention to her surroundings, Maria was taken by surprise when a pair of arms wrapped around her, and the familiar cologne filled her senses.
Georg was home.
"Hello, my darling." Georg whispered in her ear. This sent chills down her spine. Good chills. Maria tilted her head back to rest it on his shoulder and placed her hands on his.
"Good morning, Georg." She sighed blissfully. "Why didn't you wake me when you left?"
"You looked so content, I couldn't dare. My job now is to make you as happy as I can, and I felt a lay in might do you some good."
Georg moved slightly so Maria could see him as he placed a gentle kiss upon her cheek.
"Maria darling, I don't think you understand how happy I was to wake up next to you this morning." He had a grin on his face that couldn't be contained. "I can't wait to do it for the rest of our lives."
As Maria was about to respond, Max walked out onto the terrace, interrupting their peaceful moment alone.
"Hello friends, I do hope I'm not disturbing anything." Max must have known something was going on between them. Max always knew.
That was Maria's cue. "I must go check on the children. Make sure they're not causing too much trouble for Frau Schmidt.
That evening, the children seemed to go to bed without any fuss. Something abnormal for them, but Maria didn't question it as she was seriously looking forward to some alone time with Georg.
As if on cue, Georg appeared at the bottom of the stairs.
"Hello, darling. Have the children all gone to bed?" He extended a hand to escort her down the remaining stairs and to have any excuse to hold her.
"Yes, they were perfect angels as always." She smiled up at him.
"Good, that makes me happy to hear." Georg paused before they continued walking and placed a hand on the side of Maria's face. He looked deep into her eyes before moving towards her slowly. He placed a gentle kiss on her lips, one that lingered and was filled with so much love.
"Come, my dear. I have something to show you." He seemed nervous but Maria hardly noticed it. She was simply happy to be with him.
He led her to the ballroom where they had first met. She would remember that day for the rest of her life. She had been so mortified when he found her in there bowing to no one.
He opened the doors, revealing a magnificent sight. There were candles lit everywhere, with the windows wide open leading to the courtyard where they shared their first dance. IT was breathtakingly beautiful. In the centre of the room, there was a small table littered with small items and pieces of paper and surrounded by edelweiss. Hidden behind the items, sat a bottle of champagne in a chilling box and two champagne flutes.
"Oh Georg, it's beautiful." Maria had tears welling in her eyes. This was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen, aside from her chosen family.
"The children wanted to do something special for you, my love. Of course, I could not deny them."
They approached the table and Maria began to read some of the letters. On them, there were memories written. Memories that the children had with their beloved governess, memories that made them happy. There were also pussy willows, a bunny rabbit stuffed animal, a drawing of a rain drop on a rose, woolen mittens and a small paper package tied up in strings. Some of Maria's favourite things.
At this, Maria began to cry. Georg noticed immediately and raised his hand to wipe away her tears.
"Oh, my love, they wanted to make you happy. Not sad. They gathered all of yours and their favourite things."
"I'm not sad, Georg. Quite the opposite. I've never been happier. I love your children with all my heart."
"Our children, Maria. Ours."
Maria couldn't contain herself and pulled Georg in for a short kiss.
"I love you Georg."
"I love you more, my edelweiss. That package is from me, by the way. Would you open it for me?"
Maria looked down at the small paper package and picked it up. She began unwrapping it as he held her. She revealed a velvet box, and she opened it. Inside, lay a stunningly simple diamond ring. She inhaled sharply, bringing her spare hand to cover her mouth. She sensed that Georg had stepped away from her, so she turned around to find him behind her on one knee, holding a bouquet of edelweiss.
"Maria, since the moment you walked into my home, you've had my heart and my children's heart. You are already such an important member of my family, but I cannot bare to live another minute without being able to call you mine. Will you do me the great honour of becoming my wife and mother to my children? Maria, will you marry me?"
Maria knelt to be at his level, before softly saying through tears, "yes. Yes. A thousand times yes."
Georg pulled her in for a kiss. This one was much more passionate than the last one they shared, and they only broke for air so that Georg could place the ring upon Maria's left ring finger. They both stood up and Maria couldn't help but stare at her finger.
"It's so beautiful."
"Not as beautiful as you, my love. Dance with me"
"Forever."
Georg led them towards the courtyard, stopping to play the record player. A familiar tune began playing and a smile lit Maria's face, brighter than any star in the sky.
The happy couple stayed in the courtyard long after the Laendler stopped playing, sharing intimate kisses and talking about the future.
Sorry for the late upload! School had been terribly busy. Please enjoy!
