Dinner was a flurry of laughter and jokes, which was a stark contrast to how their dinner went just a mere week ago.

How quickly the captain had changed shocked Maria. It was almost as though a switch had been flipped inside him. His stoic and cold, militaristic appearance had melted away to show a caring and warm man.

Currently, he was talking with Friedrich. Maria watched them, the boy laughing fully at something his father said and those same dimples appeared on his face. She was admiring said dimples when he flicked his eyes over to where she was sitting.

Yes, Fräulein? His eyes said, with a glint of amusement and for the second time in that day, feeling as though she was caught red handed, she quickly looked back down at her plate, a slight blush forming on her cheeks.

Georg smirked and returned his attention back to his son. He was amused, to say the least, that he was able to turn her a shade of pink with just a look. And he had to say, it suited her quite well.

He was surprised that this postulant had stood up to him regarding his children just mere hours before. She had defied his orders, happily, when no other governess had ever dared to cross him. There was something about her that he found rather interesting. He dared to glance in her direction and found her whispering with Marta, both of them giggling quietly.

He had to admit, he had secretly hoped that someone would show his children the love they deserved as Agathe had. It had been hard to look at them, they all looked like her, and it was a painful reminder as to what he had lost. Pushing his sad thoughts of his parted bride down he finally looked to Elsa, the first time tonight.

She was quietly observing everyone at the table. Had he not spent the last year with her, he would say there was nothing showing on her face at how uncomfortable she was. He had gotten to know her and her looks though, and in her eyes there was a look of distaste. Possibly from the noise of all the children talking over each other.

She caught his gaze and gave him a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, but nonetheless he returned it and reached over to pat her hand which was sitting on the table.

He would never admit out loud, nor really to himself, but he knew in that moment that this life with his children would not suit her.

Desserts had finished and everyone was still seated, waiting patiently to be excused, though they were enjoying the company of their father.

Leisl was able to remember her father before her mother's passing and he was back, sitting at the head of the table. She smiled to him which he warmly returned, which made her beam. Oh how she had missed this version of him!

What she had also noted were the glances her father was giving to their governess. And not only that but the glances Maria was giving him. She had been watching them throughout the dinner and decided that she was going to talk with Maria after dinner.

Georg sat back in his seat and tossed his napkin onto his plate. "All right children, you may be excused." He smiled.

They all stood, as did Maria and he felt a slight twinge on his heart hoping she would have stayed which took him by surprise. He watched her as she walked out of the room with the children and then turn his attention to his guest of honor.

Elsa had placed her napkin on her plate and was now leaning forward.

"All right darling, I have some business to attended to." He stood and reached for her hand which she placed in his and gave a small kiss to her knuckles.

"Oh Georg, darling, it's such a beautiful night. I was hoping you could show me more of the grounds underneath the moonlight." She spoke with a warmth and hope and stood up, her hand wrapped around Georg's arm. They began walking out of the dining room.

"Not tonight darling, not tonight." He patted her hand gently. "Soon." He turned and gave her a smile and a kiss on the cheek.

"Come Elsa!" Max grabbed the baroness by the arm. "We shall finish the night with a few drinks!" They shared a laugh as they walked out toward the terrace.

Georg laughed as Max whisked her away and walked toward his study.

Upstairs in the children's study, they were all winding down. Brigitta had found a book, Louisa and the boys were playing a card game and Marta and Gretl were both drawing. Liesl stood watching her siblings in the corner of the room, reflecting from the days activity. Maria walked over and stood next to her observing the others.

"Leisl, would you mind watching over them for a while? I am meeting with your father to discuss your studies."

"Of course Fräulein." She smiled. "You know, the way father has been acting today was how he used to be before-" she trailed off, sadness in her voice.

Maria was unsure of what to say so she rested her hand on Leisl's shoulder. Leisl turned and gave her a wide smile, dimples appearing on her on cheeks.

"Thank you, Fräulein." She pulled Maria in for a tight hug.

"Whatever for Leisl?" She asked with a laugh but hugging the girl anyway.

She pulled away from her, still holding onto her shoulders. "For changing father's mood! I can tell he's most grateful by the way he was looking at you all night!" She giggled.

Maria sputtered and opened and closed her mouth, trying to find a response. Had he been looking at her all night?

"Well, you wouldn't want to keep him waiting! We'll be alright. Promise." She smiled and went over to join in on the card game.

Georg sat at his desk studying one of his papers when there was a faint knock on the door.

"Come in." He called, gathering the papers together and putting them back in his desk.

Maria came in, a journal in her hands. "I apologize for coming late. I seem to do that quite a lot." She said nervously, quietly closing the door behind her.

Georg stood from behind his desk. "No, no need to apologize. It's all right, Fräulein." She walked over and stood in front of desk, gripping her journal tightly. "Please." He motioned to the seat across from his desk. She walked over and sat down and Georg resumed his seat.

"Now, I want to begin by saying that all other governess's, at least the ones that stayed, would meet at least once a week, or once I had returned," he said a little sheepishly, "to discuss the children's studies. Now I know the notes they provided showed little improvement-"

"Oh but they have improved, Captain!" She interrupted.

Georg was taken aback. "Really?"

She nodded with a smile. "They just needed a little freedom." A knowing smile on her face as she stared him down.

She really was incredible. Did he say incredible? He meant incredulous.

"Show me?"

They spent the next twenty minutes discussing their improvements. Each child had improved in one course or another.

"It's incredible, truly. And in such a short amount of time. How did you manage it?"

"Well, I did attend school for teaching."

"Did you?"

"Mmhm! I enjoy teaching very much." A proud smile on her face which made Georg smile back in return.

"Well we are very lucky to have you." Georg said softly, looking into her eyes, hoping she would see his appreciation. She gave his a small grin in return. "I really do wish to get to know my children better. So, uh, Fräulein, what have you got planned for tomorrow?"

"Well, we have their studies from 8 until around 10 or 10.30, it will depend on their moods. Then we were planning on doing a picnic in the mountains. Or course, depending on the weather."

"Would you mind if I joined you?"

Her breath hitched in her throat, briefly and looked into his eyes. "Of course, Captain. They would be delighted, I'm sure of it!"

He stood from behind his desk and Maria stood from her chair, neither breaking eye contact. "Seems to be all arranged."

"Seems so."

"Well, I shall see you all in the morning."

She nodded and made her way to the door. She reached for the handle when she heard the captain call out to her.

"Goodnight, Fräulein."

She turned her head and found a piercing gaze of steel blue eyes, making her heart skip a beat.

"Goodnight, Captain."

A/N: Whew a bit longer than I anticipated, but we're getting the ball rolling!

I always imagined that Leisl, being the oldest, noticed a few things between the two of them.

Thank you for the reviews so far! I appreciate them!