Chapter 5

Maria couldn't deny she was excited to meet the Captain's children, she had absorbed a lot of information about them in his study, and felt as though she already knew them. "Children." Georg's tone of voice changed almost immediately when he was speaking to his children. Maria could tell he loved them so much. "This is your governess, Fräulein Maria. I trust you help her to feel comfortable and help her get accustomed to our schedule. Fräulein, I shall leave you and the children to get acquainted, I will be in my study if you need anything, anything at all." Georg could not help but grin a little at his words. He almost hoped something would come up just so Maria would have to come to his office and seek him out. Just her presence made him feel happier. Good lord, what was wrong with him? he shouldn't be feeling this way about a postulate for God's sake. He couldn't help it though, there was something about her that he instantly upon meeting her, was attracted to, and not just her physical beauty.

"Of course, Captain. I think we will get along splendidly." Maria had started to blush at Georg's words Good lord, what was wrong with her? she shouldn't be feeling this way about her employer for God's sake. She shook away the feelings as she remembered where she was and that there were 7 children in the room with them.

Maria turned back to the children once Georg had left the room. She noticed that they all looked very poised and respectful. "Now, your father has given me a brief rundown on your ages and such but i would like each of you to tell me your names and your favorite color, if you wouldn't mind terribly." Maria made sure to add a hint of sarcasm at her last sentence so the children could see she wasn't one of those cold hearted governess like in the books.

Liesl looked at Maria and smiled. Liesl was the eldest child at 16. When her mother passed away, she on instinct, assumed the motherly role they all so desperately needed. Liesl was thrilled they were getting a governess, even though she knew she didn't need one, why she was practically a grown woman already, she hoped and prayed that this governess would have a good heart and want to take some of that weight off of Liesl's back. She thought Maria looked very sweet and like she wasn't just going to collect her paycheck and be cruel to the children. Yes, she thought, Maria was going to be someone she could confide in, someone who would authentically care about each and every one of the children. "Fräulein Maria, my name is Liesl, i'm 16 and my favorite color is ivory. While i'm positive I do not need a governess, I look forward to getting to know you and helping you navigate your way around our home." Maria was stunned. She had expected these children to be wary of her and want absolutely nothing to do with her, it seemed as though this was not the case.

"Thank you, Liesl. I think you and I shall be very good friends." Maria looked around the room and her eyes landed on a red haired young man who was standing up, which she knew had to be Friedrich. The boy stood and gave Maria a nod. "My name is Friedrich and my favorite color is green. It's very nice to meet you Fräulein." Maria gave the boy a nod and smiled. She was surprised to see that even Louisa who her father said would be the hardest to win over, was smiling up at Maria and introduced herself and said her favorite color was blue. Next was the other boy. "Hello, Fräulein. I'm Kurt, I'm 11 and my favorite color is orange."

"It's nice to meet you Kurt." Maria then took notice of the next girl, she had her nose buried in a book, automatically, Maria knew this one was Brigitta. Maria wasn't going to interrupt her reading by asking her name and such, but just then she saw her oldest sister gently nudge her elbow and nod towards her. "Oh, Fräulein I'm sorry, I have been listening I've just got to a really interesting point in my novel, do you enjoy reading, Fräulein?"

"Yes Brigitta I do. Reading is one of my favorite hobbies, although I admit the abbey has a very limited book selection." Maria saw the girl smile and laugh, as she hoped, they were all very welcoming. "Fräulein, you are more than welcome to any of the books we have here, although nobody other than me and father seem to enjoy reading." Maria saw Brigitta look out of the corner of her eye and giggle at her siblings, they must pick on her love for reading often. "Thank you, I will definitely accept your offer and maybe we can talk about our recent reads." The girl smiled and nodded enthusiastically. "Oh by the way I'm 10 years old and my favorite color is yellow."

Maria gave the girl a nod before she looked down and saw the next girl tugging on her dress. "Fräulein, I'm Marta my favorite color is pink and I'm turning 7 on Tuesday."

"Well, Marta my favorite color is pink too." Then Maria saw the youngest girl stomp her foot trying to capture Maria's attention. "Yes, you're Gretel." The girl nodded. "My favorite color is purple, Fräulein."

"A very good choice, Gretel. Now, I have to admit to you all that I've never been a governess before, I'll need lots of advice and help."

"Of course, Fräulein!" Liesl exclaimed. Maria thought this girl was very mature and was thankful for her help. "Why don't I take a seat and you all go through your daily schedule while I try to comprehend it all" The children chuckled and agreed. Maria walked over to the settee and took a seat, she looked over and saw the youngest two girls arguing over who would sit by her, Maria slid over and reassured the girls that there was more than enough room for both girls.

Yes, this would work out great. Maria thought.

Sooo this chapter mainly focused on Maria getting to know the children but the next one will be more focused on Georg and Maria. (Maybe even a romantic meeting??)

I still don't own TSOM

Reviews are greatly appreciated!!