Well, our trip to Innsbruck was supposed to be one chapter, but it was quickly getting away on me so I decided to split it in two. Still, not to be outdone, I have pushed it to the heights of my usual long-ness LOL.

I haven't been to Austria, YET, but I have done a lot of trip planning and I used to watch downhill skiing on CBC growing up, so I feel I know these mountains well. This has helped me to paint a picture of Western Austria. Apologies in advance for my wordiness. Someday I will get a hold of it...maybe!

"Be an opener of doors for such as come after thee."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

As the Captain's Horch sped along the valley bottom of Salzburgerland, Maria could not help but feel free. The wind in her hair, the excited chatter of the children, the confident air about the Captain as he took command of his steering wheel, making driving look effortless. The excitement was palpable amongst the Von Trapp seven. Soon they would arrive in Innsbruck to visit their grandparents, the Whiteheads. The children were excited to see their Gromi and Papi, of course, but they were even more thrilled to have their father and governess joining them. Up until recently, they had always been packaged up and sent off on their own with Franz at the helm.

Earlier that morning, they had all lined up outside the garage with their travel bags. Each one passed their bags to the Captain who systematically stuffed them into the boot. Gretl had made a comment about how he managed to make things fit so nicely, and he had replied that years of provisioning a submarine had taught him well. He saw the world as a puzzle, he said, and one only had to twist and turn items in your mind so that they would fit into small spaces.

Once the luggage was stowed, everyone took their place in the car; getting all the children to fit comfortably without war breaking out was also a puzzle. The eldest five sat in the back seat, Marta was on the hump in the front beside the stick shift, and Gretl was perched on Maria's lap. As they took off into the countryside, everyone had chatted animatedly, playing "I spy" as they drove along, and then for a time the children had sung about their favourite things. After a while, the children seemed to settle into more independent activities, and poor Gretl quickly dozed off. All of this quiet time, coupled with the beautiful scenery of Salzburgerland, sent Maria's thoughts spinning as she tried to process how she had arrived at this point. Two months ago, she was a novice in the Abbey, and today she was driving in a car with one of Austria's greatest naval heroes and his seven children on their way to Innsbruck, just a stone's throw from her hometown.

Maria could not help but study the Captain as he drove. Driving just seemed to suit him. She wondered if he looked like this while commanding his submarine during the war? Occasionally, she had to turn her head to look at him to confirm something about him that she had remembered. A few times he caught her and gave her a small smile, and once he had the audacity to wink at her! She could feel her face redden and immediately turned her head out the window and pretended to be admiring the scenery.

Out of her peripheral vision, which was much safer, Maria could not help but notice the Captain seemed to be sporting an aura of satisfaction. He seemed reflective - this trip marked a significant change in his life - but he appeared more relaxed than she had predicted. Of course, he would never reveal his true feelings to her nor to his brood, but Maria could tell that he was feeling different compared to most mornings. Occasionally, she'd see him smile to himself, just a slight dimpling of his cheeks as he caught himself in a memory. Maria presumed he was a wee bit anxious about everything, but still, she could tell he was reveling in the children's joy about going to see the Whiteheads as a family and she suspected he was finding some comfort in the memories of his late wife.

Family.

The thought of being so close to her parents' final resting place made Maria's insides tighten, but she tried to focus on the fact that she was here to be a support to her adopted family for the summer, the Von Trapps. The sisters at the Abbey had been the only family she had known, but this was much different and far more satisfying. She knew it was dangerous to think of them this way, for fall would be here soon and she would be parted from them. That thought alone made Maria terribly sad, even more sad than the thought of visiting her parents one last time.

Mentally kicking herself, Maria tried to redirect her thoughts away from herself and back to the excitement of the day. Soon she would meet the Whiteheads, and for the time being, that introduction consumed her thoughts more than her personal struggles with her life and her choices.

Maria was proud, if that was the right word, that the Captain was driving them all to Innsbruck, despite her own anxieties about the trip. He had come so far since they first met almost a month ago. During that time, they had transitioned from a pair of adults who seemed to thrive on antagonizing each other into a well-oiled team. In those early days, Maria was against everything he stood for, and she promptly ditched the uniforms, whistles, and lack of play time just as soon as the Captain had left for Vienna. She watched the children thrive as the weight of military discipline was lifted from them. However, during his time away, she thought about him often. There was just something about him that drew him to her. Was it the stoic way in which he carried his grief? His quirky habits? His whistle?

The Captain was such a riddle, but it was clear as day to Maria that inside he had been hurting and his iron-fisted control was the only way he could safely manage his life. She remembered thinking that perhaps if the Captain was shown love again, he could change for the better. The stories that the children had told her only reinforced her beliefs.

Initially, she thought that the forces for change would come from the Baroness, but soon after her arrival in Aigen, it was even evident to Maria that the two of them were not in love. All the stories Maria had heard about society couples seemed to have been proven right – they didn't marry for love, they married for many other reasons: wealth, companionship, standing, convenience...

Companionship: Maria and the Captain had settled into an easy state of working together and eventually becoming good friends. There were three obvious turning points in their friendship, if she were to call it that. There was the day of their great argument, that rainy day in the cemetery when he had finally let go of his grief, and then the evening when she stumbled upon him in the ballroom at the piano. Each of those days represented large steps forward. He seemed to trust her more with his feelings, and in return, she helped him to heal. He would make her laugh, she would make him smile. They worked together to bring the children back into his life.

After their argument on the landing, so many things began to change. Maria noticed small, gradual changes in the Captain every day: he became more relaxed, more loving with the children, he worried less about order and decorum, and he focused more on the joy that organized chaos could bring to his life.

If she thought about it long and hard enough, Maria had to admit that she was changing too. Like, just now when she had considered the Von Trapps to be her adopted family or when she questioned her ability to actually leave the children at the end of the summer...

Is this what the Reverend Mother had planned when she sent her out into the world?

Another thing that had recently begun to trouble Maria was the way she perceived herself. No longer was she just a girl from the convent. Since she had developed such a wonderful relationship with the Captain's children, she often thought about having her own children one day. However, if she made Nonnberg her final destination, there would not be any children. There had not been one single day in her adult life prior to her arrival at the villa that she even considered children of her own. But to have children, Maria knew there would have to be a man. Was that so impossible, she wondered?

Maria had never, ever, ever considered the notion that she could be attractive to men without even trying. She reflected on moments since she arrived in Aigen: Herr Bauer the milliner, Leo the stable-hand, and most recently, Guido the mechanic. Three men who normally would have just been people she encountered, but after her chat with the Captain about his perception of Leo's intentions and her subsequent observations, she had to admit that now she saw the world and its actors a little differently.

She perceived a new version of herself and how she interacted with others. Just the other night, for example, she could not help but notice the way the Captain's jaw was set tight and his fingers were twitching while Guido had come along side her to show her how to change the spark plugs in the Captain's car. She could tell he was uncomfortable with Guido's proximity; although he spoke no words, his crystal blue eyes would spark with some sort of emotion she had not seen in him before. She would have almost thought he was jealous...but that could not be, could it! Guido had to have been the same age as the Captain.

At one point Maria and Guido were hunched over the engine, Maria was returning the dipstick after Guido showed her how to check the engine oil. Guido then had grasped her hand around the wrist to point her in the correct direction of the spark plugs. She had lifted her eyes across the top of the engine to see the Captain's steely blue eyes pinned on the place where Guido was touching her.

The worst part of her recent revelations, if you could call them that, was that the Captain himself made her feel things a nun-in-training should not be feeling. She had apparently struck the fancy of Herr Bauer, Leo, and perhaps even Guido, although she wasn't sure she could understand why. Perhaps they liked the idea of a conquest of a nun-in-training, she thought with a giggle. However, despite the interactions she had with these men, none of them made her tingle the way the Captain did. Without even trying, his beautiful blue eyes would smile at her and she'd be reduced to a pile of mush or she'd forget to breathe. And now that she had seen him so many times in a vulnerable state, the most recent just two nights ago, she had a new perspective on him as a man. He was kind and thoughtful, and he had the most lovely dimples.

Lovely Dimples? Where had that come from?

Since she was a nobody in Salzburg society, she didn't really see the harm in admiring the Captain and sorting out what exactly were the feelings he elicited in her. There was no danger when the Captain was so completely unattainable! He was rich, successful, upper class, and as good as engaged to Baroness Schraeder! Thus, it was easy to be his friend, to share confidences, stories, and wonderful moments together. She never had a friend like the Captain before - their shared experiences seemed to have forged a unique bond, one that she had not felt since she was a young girl in the mountains with her dear school friend, Charlotte.

Maria looked over at the Captain and they both caught each other's eyes once again. She quickly turned her head away to the countryside whizzing by her and was rattled by a memory of their bond. Just two days ago, for example, while Maria was sitting at the Mirabel fountain enjoying her pastry and desperately trying to figure out a way to get out of this visit to the Whiteheads, he came upon her at the fountain. The fact that he had even found her there still blew her mind. Then there was the night she found him playing the piano in the ballroom; he had not even looked her way, but he knew she nearby. He certainly had an uncanny ability to find her in places she should not be, or at moments when she was not at her best.

The afternoon they had spent together at the fountain had been effortless. Perhaps she had over-estimated how lovely it was? Was she drunk on fresh air and sunshine and had imagined it all? Why ever would the Captain, as someone of his standing, wish to spend the afternoon with a mere governess? He bought her flowers as a thank you gift and had offered her a ride home. That same day she had seen him without his jacket and boots, and as a result, his sock feet had infiltrated her sub-conscious and she would readily admit that she found herself practically haunted by them.

That same evening, they all celebrated decoration day with one of Lucille's delectable sachertortes and the Captain's salty tales of the sea. Maria recalled that between the excitement of his tales from the Navy and too much sugar, Maria had struggled to get the children to settle that night. She had finally managed to wrestle the children into their beds and was hoping to catch a moment or two with the Captain when she found him engaged in a telephone conversation. Assuming he was on the phone catching up with the Baroness, Maria hung her head as she made her way to the library to find something to read. Soon, however, the Captain had found her once more.

Later, Maria was surprised to learn that the Captain had not spoken directly to the Baroness; he said that she had called over dinner and had left a message with Franz. Instead, he had been talking to his mother-in-law about their pending visit! It was curious to understand that he did not call the Baroness; this only served to reinforce the feeling that he could not love her. But what of the conversation she had with Frau Schmidt her first night at the villa? Thinking about marrying the woman before the summer was over? She'd have to think about that one.

Maria and the Captain fell into easy conversation in the library; then he pulled out the memory book. Maria noted that night was the first time since she she had met him that he had seemed, at least outwardly, quite at ease with memories of his dear wife. He talked, she listened. She asked questions about the Whiteheads, and he wove a tale of Knights, Countesses and Princesses. Then she had asked him to read to her and the deep baritone of his voice, coupled with the images of the story he was telling, promptly led Maria off into a deep sleep, although she did not realize it at the time.

Later that night, Maria remembered a slow climb out of an intense dream. She didn't even remember what it was about entirely, but she recalled that she and the Captain were out on the lake in the Louisa. There were no children around; there was a storm coming, and the wind began to blow and thunder rumbled in the distance. The Captain was rowing them back to shore, his hair blowing in the wind. He had shed his jacket and shoes and socks and Maria could not help but notice how handsome and unbuttoned he was.

As the Captain rowed, the rhythmic sound of the oars hitting the water got louder, and louder, and louder...

THUMP-THUMP-THUMP.

Each thump seemed to shake her from her slumber. She felt warm and cozy despite the fact that she was upright in a rowboat on the lake with lashing winds and rain on the horizon. But then she opened one eye...then the other. As she got her bearings, she realized she was not in the dory, but sitting on the loveseat in the library.

...and not just sitting! Maria's face was smooshed into the Captain's chest and he had his left arm draped around her shoulder. She could hear the rhythmic beating of his heart under her cheek.

Thump-Thump-Thump.

Maria recalled with great clarity how she had tilted her head and looked up at the Captain's sleeping face. Maria could see that his head had fallen slightly over hers and she was effectively trapped while he slept. Even two days later, Maria blushed down to her toes when she recalled the pleasure of being stuck in that position, even though she should have been mortified. When he had sat down on the hem of her dress by the fountain earlier that day, her body buzzed with something she could not identify. Having his arm around her while they slept was even more electrifying.

At that point, Maria was awake enough to realize that she must have fallen asleep while the Captain was reading. Why hadn't the Captain woken her? and how in Heaven's name did they both end up like this? Maria spied the Captain's boots still in a pile on the floor and recalled the moment he had heeled them off; her eyes darted back down to his sock feet and then followed an imaginary line from his big toe, over his foot and up his leg until it met her torso.

Doing her best to not be too impulsive, Maria had gently extracted herself from the Captain's arms. However, with the support of her body gone from beneath him, he soon listed to the left like a ship in a gale. Maria had quickly grabbed the throw cushion from the chair and put it down where she had been resting. She gently helped the Captain onto his side, and after he garbled a few words, he continued to slumber. She grabbed a quilt from the box in the corner and spread it over his sleeping body, gently tucking it around his shoulders.

Maria turned off one of the table lamps and then dimmed the other. Before she left the library, however, she could not help but admire him. He was a fine man, so handsome, and boyishly charming as he slept. A lock of hair had fallen forward and hung over his forehead giving him a roguish look. She could not help herself, and she recalled bending over him once again, gently tucking the strand back into his hair with her index finger. She had stood tall once more and appraised her work, the sensation of the softness of his hair still tingling in her fingertip. She adjusted his blanket once more and then tiptoed out is the room, closing the door quietly behind her.

The following morning, the Captain did not speak of the incident, so Maria decided she would follow his lead. Perhaps he didn't recall that she was still there when he had fallen asleep, or maybe he did, and he was simply too embarrassed to let on that they had fallen asleep together. Maria felt her cheeks burn while stray thoughts ran through her head. Where were these thoughts even coming from?

Maria and the Captain had moved through Thursday as if it was any regular day; there was very little awkwardness between them. They all had gathered around the breakfast table, and then as they had agreed earlier in the week, Maria took the children into town while the puppets and their theatre were delivered. Just before dinner, the Captain had pulled her aside with a beaming smile just to say that everything had arrived as planned and it was all stowed away safely in the ballroom. The workers would return after lunch the next day, that would be today, while they were travelling to complete the set-up of the stage.

After the children went to bed, Maria made her way into the ballroom with the newfound knowledge that the Captain now approved of her disturbing that room and was overwhelmed with what she found. There were two large wooden crates that had been prized open and they were overflowing with marionettes: goats, kings, men drinking beer, musicians... It was the most beautiful collection of marionettes she had ever seen. She ran her fingers through the soft hair of the goats - recalling the night before when she had touched the Captain's hair - before she gathered up the marionette in a pale pink coat to distract her from her thoughts. Maria held the girl up to the light and looked at her: what fine Austrian craftsmanship! This was a mountain girl, Maria thought as she smiled down at her bright face. As Maria held her out in her arms, she was taken aback at the rather extensive cleavage she was showing. This puppet was indeed a live-wire and for some reason she reminded her of the Baroness if she ever lowered herself to wear a dirndl! In the box there was another female puppet, one she assumed was the girl's mother since she was equally blessed with a large bosom.

It was at that very moment, of course, that the Captain arrived in the ballroom and she could feel her face aflame. He gave her a sly smile that made her insides flip before making a comment on Professor Kohner's motives when he had crafted those two puppets in particular.

She should not have laughed the way she did, but laugh she did. This just made the Captain laugh even more, and before long the two of them were an absolute mess with tears streaming down their faces. Maria had not laughed that hard in such a long time. When they both recovered, there was an awkward pause and he regarded her in a peculiar way that made Maria feel like her insides had turned to fire. She was sure he was going to say something about her sense of humour not being becoming of a nun, but instead, he bent into a small bow with a flourish of his arm before turning away to look into the other boxes.

She and the Captain talked about how excited the children would be when they returned from Innsbruck, and he inquired as to Maria's plans with the marionettes. He could not help but make a few digs about her interactions with Guido the night before and Maria felt her face on fire again. What was it about this man that made her forget herself? The Captain had remarked that it was unfortunate that there were no automobile mechanics amongst the puppet collection, but that no one should fear because Fraulein Maria now knew how to check the oil and change a spark plug! It was clear that he was still slightly preoccupied with Guido's lavish attention.

ooOoo

At that moment, Maria felt the car beginning to slow and was quickly catapulted back to the present. She was no longer in the ballroom with the puppets, she was back in the car with the Captain and his seven children en route to see their grandparents. From the beginning, she was dead set against accompanying them on this trip, but her initial hesitation eventually melted away. The Captain seemed to have that affect on her. The way he looked at her when he recalled how important it was to him that she accompany them warmed her from her head to her toes. He had improved her confidence when he said that Countess Whitehead would love her, and how he encouraged her to meet Princess Agathe and perhaps have Bertie conjure up a new occupation instead of joining the Sisterhood.

As the car slowed, she took in the sights. Sankt Johann: Maria would recognize it anywhere. The road narrowed in this area, snaking along the mountain valley, each side of the road lined with traditional Austrian mountain houses with steep-sided roofs, and balconies lined with window boxes bursting with coloured flowers. It looked like home. Rustic stone foundations, goats and sheep roaming rogue along the roadside, the clouds so close to them Maria swore she could reach out and touch them.

The Captain looked over at her to let her know he was going to stop to let the children stretch their legs and indulge in the picnic basket that Frau Schmidt had stuffed to overflowing. He pulled into a parking lot next to a small playground and Maria immediately noticed that the Kitzbüheler Horn still had its highest tips graced with snow. It was the most beautiful sight. The Untersberg had been free of snow for well over two months, now. As she looked to the west, she could see the tops of the Hochfugen, the Schartenkogel and the Patscherkofel in the distance. Being back in her old stomping grounds was so poignant, but Maria managed to tamp down the two urges she felt - to sing, and to cry simultaneously!

ooOoo

At Sankt Johann, Georg pulled the car into a picnic area to let everyone get out and have some fresh air. He watched on as Maria gently roused Gretl and Marta from their slumber. She had such a way with his youngest girls, it was obvious that she was the only mother figure the two of them remembered. Maria never failed to amaze him with her kindness and selflessness. Just two nights ago, for example, he had awoken in the wee hours of morning to find himself sprawled out on the loveseat in the library. The light had been turned down low, and he was resting comfortably on a pillow with a quilt tucked around his chin. Maria he thought to himself. He was reading to her when she fell asleep. He must have soon followed her into slumber, but she had awakened and had taken the time to make him comfortable, when really, she should have just poked him and sent him on his way to bed. They had not spoken about it since, and he was okay with that. He was happy to live with the warm, comfortable feelings she stirred in him. He remembered many a night when Agathe had done the same thing, and in the morning when he asked her why? she would simply smile and tell him that it was a pleasure to watch him sleep. Could it be possible that Maria had thought the same? Was this just something women did?

Today, however, Maria was not her usual boisterous self. She became been terribly quiet once they hit the open roads and the children settled in the car.

Hallein...

Bischofshofen...

Fieberbrunn...

The deeper they drove into the Alps, the more reflective she became. Soon after they had left Hallein, he caught her a few times regarding him in a peculiar way, but soon the growing mountain heights seemed to push her into herself. He wanted to comfort her, but how could he do this in a car full of children? He was disappointed in a way, he had hoped that taking Maria back to the mountains would bring her joy, and instead, it seemed to make her sad and contemplative. He could not help but wonder what was going on inside that head of hers.

Hoping he could have a private word with her, Georg decided to stop for a break, and at Sankt Johann, everyone climbed out of the car and dove head-first into the picnic basket.

After emptying the basket of all the goodies Frau Schmidt had packed for them, almost all of the children ran off to play on a swing set nearby leaving Brigitta on a blanket reading a book. Maria began to tidy up the basket and Georg came along side to help. They worked quietly for a while before Georg could not help but break the silence.

"Fraulein, you're awfully quiet today, it's not at all like you. Is everything alright?"

Maria pursed her lips. He could tell that she was thinking carefully before she spoke.

Maria was somewhat taken aback at his question. How could she actually confess to what she was feeling at this moment? it was just too hard. Instead, she blurted the first normal concern that popped into her head.

"Captain? How does one greet a Countess and a Knight? Does one curtsy, bow, or a simple handshake, perhaps?" she inquired.

"Well, if you are greeting a Knight for the first time, I learned from my governess once that you just walk through a set of closed doors when no one is looking and check things out," he said with a wink. "...and the rest looks after itself".

Maria rolled her eyes and felt a blush starting across her chest that rose like a bubbling volcano into her cheeks. Georg couldn't help but smile. At least he had broken the tension.

"Seriously, Fraulein. John and Bertie aren't like that..."

Brigitta piped up from her place on the blanket. Georg had forgotten she was still nearby and was kicking himself for this oversight. No wonder he didn't get an honest answer from her.

"Father. Mother always said that you call a countess "Lady", and a Knight who does not have a seat in government is called "Sir". Fraulein Maria usually calls you "Sir" if she's not calling you Reverend Captain, so it's just a normal day for us, except we will be in Innsbruck" Brigitta called out with a giggle.

"That is true, schatzi," the Captain replied to his daughter, "but you know that Gromi and Papa don't like to stand on ceremony. If we called her Lady Whitehead, she would definitely think something was up."

"Oh, Fraulein Maria!" Brigitta exclaimed, "you are going to love my Gromi and Papi. Papi tells the best stories, and Gromi lets us play dress up and have tea parties just like they do in England!".

Maria could not help but smile at Brigitta as she seemed to recall a fond memory.

'Brigitta, love," the Captain called out over his shoulder as he took the basket back to the car, "What do you suppose Gromi will think of Fraulein Maria when they meet? I think she's a bit nervous about meeting a Countess".

"Father is right, Fraulein Maria. They may look rich, but they sure do not act that way, don't worry. Gromi says that the person who is the most rich is the one who has the cheapest pleasures. That is why they live in Innsbruck for a good part of the year. Gromi loves the mountains almost as much as you! Don't worry, Frualein Maria, they will both love you. You won us over, after all, on your first day! And I think if you were able to win over Father, then Gromi and Papi will be so easy in comparison!".

With that exclamation, Georg felt his own cheeks burning. He knelt down on the blanket and tickled Brigitta mercilessly.

"It is true, though, Fraulein", Georg said looking up at her from the ground as he gave Brigitta a reprieve to catch her breath. "Bertie and John have heard so much about how happy the children are, and they will have some sense that you are at least partly responsible for me even showing up this weekend. I would hazard to guess they will think you are some sort of fairy who wove a magic spell, isn't that right Brigitta? Your presence will steady me, and I promise to do the same for you. I am quite sure that you and Bertie will get along like a house on fire!"

The Captain fixed her with a grin that just about caused Maria's knees to give out. Did he not just promise to steady her, when in truth, he was doing the opposite? What was this power he had over her?

Georg stood up from the ground and dusted the grass off his shins before giving Brigitta a hand to lift her to her feet. Brigitta ran off towards the playground to catch up with her brothers and sisters leaving the two of them alone finally. Straightening his jacket, he walked closer to Maria before turning to take in the view.

"So, I trust that these are your mountains, Fraulein?" the Captain quipped. "Kitzbüheler? Hochfugen? Schartenkogel? or maybe the Patscherkofel? They are beautiful this time of year with their tips still snow covered against the blue sky".

Maria looked wistfully to the west. Holding her fingertips over her lips, she whispered "Pastcherkofel" as she exhaled.

The Captain studied her face, and when Maria finally snapped out of her trance, she noticed him regarding her in a peculiar way.

"Pardon me, Fraulein?"

"Oh, it was nothing Captain, I was just thinking about how beautiful they all are...just like you said!" Maria replied as she stumbled over her words. "The view from the summit of the Pastcherkofel is like nothing else in the world; well, I would assume so given that I haven't been out of Austria. Tell me, do the Whiteheads live right in town?"

Damn, there she went again changing the subject again. Georg had a question sitting on the tip of his tongue, but he chose to save it for another time.

"Actually, yes, they live just down the road from the Nordkettenbahnen," he replied. "Have you been?"

"I have, Captain, but I have usually spent more time on the other side of the River." Maria said.

Next it was the Captain's turn to be absorbed into his thoughts.

"The Inn..." he whispered. The day he had spent with Athena in Vienna catapulted to the front of his mind.

"Indeed...," Maria replied.

Georg was about to open his mouth to speak again, but at that moment, Marta and Gretl came running over and the spell was broken.

ooOoo

They had rested in Sankt Johann for just over an hour before climbing into the car again. The next stop would be the Whitehead's villa in the hulking shadow of the Nordkette.

Although his eyes were focused on the winding road along the valley bottom, Georg was watching Maria out of the corner of his eye as she stared out the window. The way she took in the sights around her, the mountains, the clouds so close you could almost reach up and touch them, the great expanses of green tipped with grey and white; one might never have guessed that she had grown up in the mountains. But that was Maria - she had a zest for life and an appreciation of all of God's creations that he had never encountered in all his years, and he had met some rascals in the Navy! The awe with which she regarded the mountains reminded him of the way in which he felt so connected to the sea. To know something so intimately, and yet, be taken aback with its beauty and complexity every time you saw it meant you had a special relationship with that place.

While he and Maria had been alone taking in the view while the children played, Georg was sure he had seen something flash behind her eyes. She was so damn transparent, but he was certain that she didn't realize what she was giving away. Ever. He knew she was fighting to keep her emotions in check at that moment. He never had found the correct moment to find out why, although he did have some ideas.

It struck him as they were making the final push to Innsbruck that in all the conversations he and Maria had had since he returned from Vienna, most of the tales of their 'history' were recounted by him and not so much by her. Maria encouraged him to talk about Agathe and he had begun to realize that it helped, so he continued. She never judged him, showed no pity; she made him feel that he was just a normal man who had been handed a terrible lot in life, but that he still had so much to live for.

Georg didn't really appreciate until just now that he had been rather selfish by dominating their conversations with his stories. Not to say that he never asked about her family; indeed, he had, but she was just so skilled at steering conversation away from places she didn't want to go. Just like she had at the picnic area. Georg knew a lot about her life on the edges of Salzburg with that poor excuse for an uncle she had, and she had always talked freely of her time in Vienna and at the Abbey. However, she said little about her more formative youth - he only knew she had been born in Tirol, not far from Innsbruck. Tirol was a huge area that encompassed most of the western portion of Austria. With Innsbruck was the only major town in that part of the country, she could be from just about anywhere west of Salzburgerland!

As someone who had struggled with grief for so long, the way Maria had breathed out the name of the Patscherkofel reminded him of the nights he had called out for Agathe in a desperate state of mind. He recalled the pangs of guilt for being left behind, anger at God for what he stole from him: a desire to hang onto something taken away too soon. He sensed that perhaps she, too, still struggled with a deep loss that she rarely spoke of, perhaps simply the loss of this place since she had told him she remembered little about her parents. Certainly, the Untersberg was beautiful, but even he realized that it could not compete with this. As he watched her memories play on her features, he could not help but feel sad at the thought this lively woman would someday be cloistered in an Abbey, never to see any of it again. It just made no sense, especially the way she watched longingly out the window.

He hoped that over the next few days with Elsa safely ensconced across the country that he would have time to talk to her. He knew she was avoiding something, but he just could not put his finger on it.

ooOoo

Innsbruck: so many things about it as a place tugged at Maria's heartstrings. There were the obvious reasons, her parents being so near, but it was the idea of returning home to the mountains that made her quiver. The sharp, grey/white sharp peaks thrusting into the blue sky, and everything so green and fragrant. The series of mountain peaks leading her higher and higher as if they wanted her to go right through the clouds with them. Despite having spent the past year at the Abbey, she always felt closer to God here than anywhere else.

Maria had only lived here for the first few years of her life, but those years were imprinted on her. She had been back a few times to visit, but trips here were too few and far between. The train fare made it impossible for her to come regularly. The Untersberg became her surrogate parent since her Uncle had as little to do with her as possible. She found her solace in the great interface of grey, green, and blue. Being here today sent her mind back to those early, fuzzy memories on the mountain-side.

As they rounded a bend in the road, straight ahead she saw the white sturdy Schloss Tratzberg [1] nestled into forests on the side of the mountain; she knew they were almost there. For over 400 years that castle had stood watch over the valley. Soon, they would see the sign that pointed the way to the village where she made her earliest memories.

Once they passed the castle, the road snaked alongside the River Inn. Maria's eyes trailed along the expanse of water as far as she could see. She could imagine it snaking its way back into the Em Valley where it started its journey in Switzerland. It was the only Swiss valley that eventually drained into the Black Sea.

In short order, Innsbruck came into view and so did the road signs that pointed to Ampass, Aganbach, and Aldrans. She felt her chest tighten at the thought of this place and the land that was held in her heart.

Today, however, she carried an extra burden, not just her own grief and trepidation, but the Captain's as well. She noted that after they pulled off the main road and crossed the Inn, the Captain's body language changed suddenly. His jaw tightened and he looked far less relaxed. She could tell they were almost at the Whiteheads simply by decoding the silent language he was speaking. With this change in her demeanor, she was able to stuff her emotions out of sight temporarily. She understood that this had to be much harder for him than it was for her.

They pulled off of the Gramartstraße onto the steep incline of Höhenstraße. They rounded a large bend and the cable car towers that lined the mountain side came into view. The little cars were almost like toys, scurrying up and down the mountain, both young and old faces pressed against the glass windows in excitement. Maria hoped she could take the children up the cable car while they were visiting the Whiteheads.

They turned left at the car park and traveled down a one-way road. Soon, a white stucco fence that lined the perimeter of the street came into view and as she craned her neck, she could see the outline of a grand white villa trimmed with red a red roof, red and white shutters, and a large balcony overlooking the front lawn. It was simple, but it was beautiful. The Captain slowed the car to turn into a break in the fence and pulled the car up the drive and settled under a large tree. Once he killed the engine, the children began to buzz with excitement! They were finally here!

"Father!" Liesl exclaimed, "can we get out now, please?"

"Yes, please father, please?" the others cheered.

The Captain nodded his head in the direction of the villa and the children all boisterously climbed out of the car, Marta and Gretl sneaking into the back seat over the hump and out the rear doors following their older siblings.

Maria looked over to see the Captain staring straight ahead. She tentatively reached out her hand and placed it on his forearm. He looked down at her hand and took a deep breath before lifting his eyes to meet hers. Maria didn't know what to say, but she did give him a genuine smile that he immediately recognized as her unwavering support. He smiled back and patted his hand over hers.

"Well, Fraulein. Welcome to Whitehead Villa!" the Captain breathed, his eyebrows disappearing into his hair.

"Captain, I know how hard this is for you, and maybe it doesn't matter to someone of your standing coming from me, but I am, I am ..." Maria trailed off as she tried to find the right words.

"I am...proud, Sir. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is just show up [2]. And you're here, and the children are thrilled!".

There was a moment when he nodded tersely and the two just stared at each other, neither really knowing what to say. The silence was soon broken as they heard the children romping back down the driveway. In the side mirrors, Maria could see they were being followed by an older couple, no doubt the Whiteheads.

"Shall we, Fraulein?" Georg said with a smile as he pulled back his hand and proceeded to open the door and climb out.

Maria took a moment to compose herself as she watched the Captain exit the car. Soon a younger man came alongside who snapped her out of her musings as be bent down to make eye contact with her before opening the door. He was dressed in a casual jacket and tie and wore a tweed flat cap which he tipped in her direction.

"Welcome to Innsbruck, Fraulein!" he called with a broad smile. "My name is Randall and I am the Whitehead's butler". He reached down to offer his hand to help her out of the car which she tentatively reached out to grasp.

As she got her feet under her, she saw the children all gathered around their grandparents in the middle of the driveway. The Captain was shaking hands with his father-in-law and then he was soon gathered up into a bear hug by his mother-in-law. The youngest children were dancing around them as if they were witnessing the greatest show on Earth.

Randall closed the car door behind Maria, and at once all attention was placed on her. Brigitta and Louisa ran over to Maria and dragged her towards her grandparents.

"Gromi, Papi, this is Fraulein Maria, our governess".

"Gromi, you are going to looooove Fraulein Maria!" Gretl exclaimed as she danced from one foot to the other. "When she arrived at the villa, I was the only one who liked her! Just me! From the beginning, Gromi, me!" Gretl hopped around her grandmother, tugging on the pleats of her skirt.

Maria blushed down to her toes at all this attention, and the children's praises made her feel all warm inside. The Captain came alongside of her and placed his hand at the small of her back, ushering her towards his in-laws. For a brief moment, his touch made her forget where she was, but fortunately he soon spoke and she snapped out of the haze.

"Well, John and Bertie, I guess no further introductions are necessary thanks to my children!" the Captain said with a smile. "May I introduce you to Fraulein Maria..."

Maria still managed a curtsy despite the Captain's earlier recommendation and she reached out her hand to greet the Countess. Bertie soon ended all formalities at that moment and wrapped her in a warm, welcoming hug.

"Welcome to Innsbruck, Fraulein Maria," she exclaimed as she stood back to take in Maria's features. Her hands still grasping Maria's elbows. "We have heard so much about you."

"All good, I hope," Maria replied with a chuckle.

Countess Whitehead nodded and she smiled the most genuine smile Maria had seen in a very long time. Liesl's resemblance to her grandmother was striking, particularly the shape of her face and the way that her eyebrows arched over her wide eyes. She had lovely green eyes that sparkled when she smiled.

Bertie released her and John arrived to formally welcome her, giving a little bow before extending his hand. He had a clipped beard and a hooked moustache and his eyes danced with mirth.

"Fraulein, it is indeed a pleasure to welcome you to our villa. I daresay without you, our Georg would not be standing in our driveway today."

"Oh, Sir, you know as well as I do that the Captain doesn't do anything he doesn't want to!" Maria replied with a sassy smile and a glance in the Captain's direction.

"Truer words were never spoken, my dear!" Bertie replied. "Come! Maria, Georg, children...let's get some tea and biscuits together and we will take a respite on the patio. You all must be famished after the long drive".

With that, the children darted up the driveway to the villa, Kurt in the lead and Randall following behind carrying some of the luggage from the boot. Gromi put her arm around Maria's shoulders and led her towards the villa.

John turned to Georg again, reaching out to shake his hand once more; with his other, he embraced Georg's free arm, soon pulling him into a hug.

"Georg, my boy! Here you are again! Allow me to speak on behalf of Bertie when I say how proud both of us are to see you here today." John exclaimed.

Georg tugged his ear and smiled.

"Well, John, it has been too long since I have been, and you know how much I regret some..."

"Ah! Ah! Ah!" John interrupted. "No apologies, no regret, Georg. Let's think of today as the first day of the rest of your life. Bertie and I know the undying love and devotion you hold for Agathe, even today, but we don't want you to suffer any longer. I must say the passage of time and your little Fraulein have worked wonders."

Georg didn't know what to say, so instead, he turned for a moment to return to the car. Opening the car door, he reached under the front seat and pulled out a cardboard tube that contained the drawings he had been working on for John. He stood tall once more and waved it in John's direction and headed back towards his father-in-law and the two walked shoulder-to-shoulder into the villa.

ooOoo

Just as the Captain had promised her, the Whiteheads turned out to be such lovely people. Maria was forbidden to call them "Countess" and "Sir" although she struggled with their insistence on a lack of formality. As a result, she routinely disobeyed their orders. They had a lovely time getting to know each other over tea and scones on the patio of the villa, the Nordkette looming large overhead. They made plans to take the children up the mountain for a cable car ride the next day as it was tradition whenever they came to visit. Maria had managed to dance around her connection to Innsbruck, instead focusing on her years in the Salzkammergut instead, although she did admit to Bertie that her parents had been born on the Patscherkofel.

Dinner was a lively affair with many traditional Austrian dishes and wonderful desserts. After dinner, the Captain and his father-in-law had soon disappeared together, withdrawing as Liesl had declared. They appeared to be engaged in a serious discussion as they wandered into John's study. Maria, Bertie, and the children headed outside and played in the yard until everyone had worn off their dinner. Bertie insisted that she take over the children's bedtime routine from Maria, suggesting that Maria deserved to have a rest or simply just wander the grounds after her long day.

Maria decided to stay outdoors and go for a walk about the property. She wondered if the Captain had told Bertie how much she loved to walk about the grounds of the villa back in Aigen after the children had gone to bed. On her way past the garage, she met Randall again who was eager to chat with her about life in Innsbruck, how long he had worked for the Whiteheads, etc. Randall was the son of one of John's colleagues from England and was only slightly older than Maria. He had come here to work at the ski chalet down the road, but ended up working for the Whiteheads after they met après-ski. He told her many tales of life in England and Maria added it to her list of places she would love to visit. If only her life wasn't so complicated.

Since it was almost the solstice, the sun was still well above the horizon, but it was slowly making its descent. Behind her, Maria lifted her head to focus on the tips of the Nordkette, it's hulking form a welcoming comfort. Turning 180 degrees she could she her other mountain. She could easily make out the Lanser See across the valley bottom over the river, and from there, it wasn't too far to where she had been born. Thankfully, she had the Captain and his in-laws to keep her thoughts occupied today; she didn't want to get caught up in her emotions.

Speaking of emotions, Maria noted the Captain had relaxed considerably by the time dinner had arrived. She was glad to see him more comfortable with his decision to visit. The children on their part had to have been running on fumes by the time dessert was served. They had been excited since the moment the woke this morning at the villa in Aigen, and it had reached its zenith when they were finally reunited with their grandparents.

While dessert was served, Bertie had spoken lovingly about her late daughter and the love she had shared with Georg. Both she and John had felt such sadness for the way Agathe's death had affected Georg. At first, obviously they were all devastated at her passing. "There is nothing quite as awful as losing a child," Bertie had said, and Maria could understand that. It was just not the normal way of the world to outlive your children. Maria had lost her parents at such a young age, but there was no way it was the same thing as losing a child.

Bertie speculated on the possible reasons why Georg's grief had consumed him so. Guilt for all the years he missed her while at sea? The fact that he had never lost a sailor under his command? The loss of his younger brother in Galacia? Whatever it was, Georg's grief over Agathe's passing turned him into another being, Bertie had said. Apparently when Maria had entered their lives, the Captain was doing considerably better than a few years before. Maria felt such sadness when she thought of the Captain in that state.

"When his grief began to impact the children, it became more of an issue." Bertie had whispered to Maria over dessert. "We tried to intervene, and he allowed us to help them, but he would not come to visit us. He would only send them with Franz. Georg could not bear to face any places Agathe had been before, places they had made memories together. Then, once Elsa Schraeder entered the picture, things became a little more tense between us all. Certainly, she helped pull him out of his misery, but at the cost of his relationship with the children.

Elsa is well-connected, don't get me wrong," Bertie continued. "I just don't see her as the motherly type. She had no children of her own and she had very little to do with her late husband's children by his first wife. I would not put it past her to ship them all off to boarding school, Maria. That way she could dig her claws into the lifestyle she had enjoyed when Heinrick was alive.

She doesn't need the money, but she craves attention and lives to see and be seen. She desperately needs to be needed. You always have to pet her lest she bite. What that man saw in her, or what Georg sees in her for that matter, I don't know...she's just not at all what Agathe would have chosen for their children.

Thank God you came along, you are an excellent influence, I can tell! You are governess number 12, my dear! Unbelievable. The children have changed so much since we saw them the last time. Louisa doesn't brood quite as often: she gets that from her father, as I am sure you have already determined. Liesl no longer has to parent the little ones. Marta isn't so shy and quiet. It's been quite the transformation in them all. However did you manage to tame them all?."

Maria was shocked that Bertie spoke so freely to her so soon about her thoughts about the Captain and Baroness Schraeder. She wondered if the Captain would have approved of her speaking about his feelings the way she had. Mind you, the Captain had told her that Bertie wasn't your average member of the aristocracy. Maria had learned a great deal about the Captain's feelings from the Captain, himself, so she wasn't surprised by what Bertie had said. No matter what Bertie thought of Baroness Schraeder, Maria assumed she could do little to help who she was. The Baroness was as much a product of her parents and upbringing in the same way Maria was, it was just that they just came from completely different ends of the social spectrum.

Even all these hours later, Maria could feel herself blushing as she thought of all the lovely compliments Bertie and John had given her. Words like "miracle", "transformation", "astounding" filling her head. Really, had she done all that? She had just arrived at the villa and found seven children in desperate need of attention. A martinet father who projected a stony and cold exterior, but Maria could see something in his eyes the moment he blew his whistle that first day. Something she could not identify, but she knew that wove itself around her heart and pulled tightly and made her want to try to help him. All they needed was love, understanding, and compassion from someone who cared.

If the Captain was feeling upset to be in the home of his late wife, he did an excellent job masking his emotions. The children had been so boisterous, like Maria, he hardly had any time to stop and reflect. He really had come so far. Maria was slightly embarrassed recalling the moment in the car that she told him how proud she was of him. It was a rather awkward and stupid thing to say, but that was Maria - everything and anything she thought and felt came directly from her heart and right out her mouth.

After some aimless wandering while she processed thoughts about her day, Maria found herself walking along a split rail fence. Over in the corner of the pasture, several horses were grazing. They were beautiful creatures - a dappled gray one, one that was almost white, and then an older bay mare. At least two of them were Lippizaners, and Maria assumed they were of Habsburg lineage. All the Knights in Austria were gifted with horses from the Emperor when decorated [3].

The horses all looked up simultaneously, chewing on the hay while they studied her. A small donkey that Maria immediately recognized as Norbert came trotting over from his place under the tree. The children had told her many tales about their little donkey that their grandparents had bought for them 3 years ago. Norbert leapt from his two front hooves to his two rear several times before braying loudly before sticking his head between the rails, demanding a formal greeting. He had long black ears and his eyes were so close together he almost appeared cross-eyed. He was the most endearing animal Maria had ever seen. He was very affectionate and became Maria's best friend in short order. Once Norbert had broken the ice, the Lippizans soon trotted over to welcome Maria to the pasture. The bay mare allowed Maria to muzzle her while the dapple tried to munch on her hair.

"Ah, Fraulein Maria!" John called out as he walked across the pasture. "I see you have made some new friends already."

"Sir John, yes, you have some lovely animals!" Maria exclaimed as she tried to smooth her hair back down. "I have heard so much about Norbert from the children long before we even talked of coming to visit. He is a dear!" Maria replied.

"Yes, yes, he is a rascal. We bought him for the children as a distraction after Agathe passed. Molly here, the bay, she is our oldest horse. She is Adelaide's mother, Georg's horse. Have you two met?" John inquired.

"Oh, of course! I met Adelaide and little Empress the morning after I arrived at the villa".

John nodded with a smile. "Well, then you will appreciate that the stubbornness is genetic - however, she seems to like you a great deal!"

Reaching up to grab the dapple's breast collar, John continued. "These two are Victoria and Albert. I'm sure you need no further explanation as to where their names came from. Despite the nod to our British heritage, however, they are pure Austrian Lippizan."

Maria could not help but giggle. At dinner, John had told many tales of his adventures in the Commonwealth, including a tea party with Queen Victoria and her son, King Edward.

"Do you ride, Maria?" John inquired.

"Well, I used to," Maria replied, "but it's definitely been a few years! My uncle's old horse could hardly compare to these beauties. My neighbour growing up had a beautiful stallion that we would ride - when I was riding him, it felt like I could chase the wind."

"Well, if it's been that long since you rode, you obviously haven't been riding in Aigen! Georg needs to smarten up a little! He also needs to get the older ones back into lessons and maybe teach the young ones too. They have all missed out on a lot the last few years, but my word Maria, what miracles you have wrought in that family!" John exclaimed.

Maria could feel herself blushing again. Back in the Abbey, she was always being criticized for something, but here she heard nothing but praise.

"Well, then, it's all settled!" he continued. "Tomorrow morning you must ride with Georg and I. Don't even think of arguing - I insist!"

"Oh, no, Sir, I just could not impose!" Maria exclaimed.

"Nonsense, of course you will, you are hardly imposing if I have invited you to accompany us!" John continued. "It does appear that Molly has chosen you, however, she's not really up for riding anymore. She's enjoying her retirement! There are a handful of horses still in the barn...I know just the one for you..."

"John, you're not harassing my governess are you?" Georg said with a laugh as he came up behind them.

"Not at all, not at all, my boy! Maria was just telling me that she used to ride, so I told her she must come with us in the morning. It seems that you haven't given the poor girl a chance to ride any of your horses, even though you have a paddock full of them!" John laughed with a scoff.

Georg was giving Norbert a good rub down between his ears and turned to give Maria one of his smiles that made her forget where she was.

"Well, it looks like everything is arranged, then Fraulein." Georg laughed.

"Bertie has some riding clothes she can lend you," John continued. "When we go back into the house I will ask her to get them out for you. We will gather in the barn at 7 sharp."

"But the children?" Maria exclaimed.

"Tosh, it's the least we can do and give you a little bit of fun while you're here. Bertie will look after them, she loves it when she gets to look after the morning routine. Or the night-time routine, as you can tell! It's just such great fun to have them all here! It should be your little vacation, as well Maria; am I right Georg?"

"Indeed, Fraulein Maria has told me that she's a pretty decent rider. We might be wishing we didn't ask her when she leaves us in her dust." Georg nodded with a wink and a smile.

Maria laughed at the two of them. "I have a feeling you are both going to be regretting your decision to invite me, I just hope I don't slow you down!"

"Georg, John, Mariaaa?" Bertie called from the back porch of the villa. "The children are in bed and the tea and brandy, depending on your choice, are ready for us! Do come in before the mosquitoes get you all!".

John turned to Maria and Georg: "Shall we?"

"We shall!" they both replied in unison.

[1] Wikipedia says that Tratzberg Castle, located near Jenbach, is a well-preserved piece of alpine palatial architecture from the late Gothic and early Renaissance period. It was built in its present form in 1500 by two brothers Veit-Jakob and Simon Tänzl. Today, Tratzberg is owned and inhabited by Count Ulrich Goëss-Enzenberg and his wife Katrin; the castle still contains many of its original furnishings and fittings.

[2] this is a quote by Brené Brown that I have always loved

[3] I have no idea if this is true, but it was a romantic notion that I grasped onto!