Knock! Knock!
Her head shot up at the sound of two sharp raps on the door. Holding her breath, frozen with fear, she stared at the back of the door. If she didn't make a sound, they might give up and go away…
Knock! Knock!
This time, it was louder, more urgent. Obviously, whoever it was, they weren't giving up. Telling herself it was probably the children, she tried to ignore the second voice in her head. If it were the children, they'd have burst through the door already and jostling for a spot on the bed already.
Deciding she had no choice but to answer, her eyes didn't leave the door as she reached out, searching for the dress, discarded, and long forgotten on the bed beside her. "Coming…" she called out unconvincingly. Fingers finally finding the crumpled pile, she snatched it up to her chest. Filled with dread, still staring at the door she rose to her feet. With no time to get dressed, she held the dress against her, covering her simple undergarments as best she could.
Heavy feet took her across the room, her pulse racing, that dread having found a home in the pit of her stomach.
Reaching the door, she turned the handle and tentatively pulled it toward her. Barely covered by the dress, she tried to hide behind the door just in case as she slowly pulled it open, poking her head around its edge. Finding the imposing, square frame of the housekeeper filling the doorway, she let out a sigh of relief.
"Good evening, Frau Schmidt," she even managed a half smile.
"Well, well, well…" the housekeeper bustled through the door, battered guitar case in one hand and a worn carpet bag in the other. "They told me you'd returned, Fraulein Maria," she dropped the luggage beside the foot of the bed.
"Oh, did they…?" Maria stared blankly at the housekeeper's back, not sure who they were. The children, Baroness Schraeder, the Captain…? Her heart skipped a beat at the thought of him. "Thank you for bringing up my bags," she added after a pause, suddenly remembering her manners. "You didn't have to…"
"Nonsense!" Frau Schmidt scoffed over her shoulder, barely breaking stride. "I'd rather bring them up myself than have the Captain trip over them," she remarked, crossing the room and disappearing into the small bathroom. "Or, knowing my luck, it would be Madam herself…" she muttered under her breath.
"Madam…?" Maria wondered out loud, but the only response was the housekeeper's loud intake of breath, followed by a long, weary sigh.
"I'll bring up some towels," Frau Schmidt called out from the small ensuite, straightening the only towel – a small hand towel – on the rail by the basin. She hated being unprepared for new arrivals, even if it was one of the staff returning. It was impossible to prepare for someone's arrival when no one bothered to tell you they were arriving. It was some small consolation, but not enough to improve her mood. Emerging from the bathroom, she stopped in the middle of the room. "If there's anything else you need, just let me know, Fraulein Maria."
Maria answered her with a nod from where she stood by the door, still clinging onto its edge like her life depended upon it.
"I realise you've only just arrived, so you may not have noticed, but everything should be as you left it," Frau Schmidt cast an eye around the room, hoping all was in order. Between snooping maids and distraught children, who knows who'd been in here since the night of the party.
After a lap of the room, her eyes finally returned to the governess. Raising a brow, she was only just noticing the girl was half-dressed and trying to hide behind a frock she hadn't seen before. "To be honest, Fraulein Maria, I wasn't sure we'd see you again," she gave the governess a long, hard look.
Feeling her cheeks grow warm, Maria forced a sad smile, trying her best to hold the housekeeper's stare.
"It's a good thing the Captain told me not to touch anything," Frau Schmidt huffed.
"Oh…?" Maria wondered how the Captain knew she'd be returning when she didn't know herself.
"Still…" the housekeeper's eyes shifted, drawn to a fine layer of dust that had settled on the chest of drawers over the past few days. "I wish he'd told me you'd be back today…"
"Oh, the Captain didn't…" Maria's words trailed off when she realised the housekeeper was distracted by something and no longer listening. It was a relief not having to come up with an explanation.
"Now, there's one more thing I need to tell you," Frau Schmidt returned her attention to the governess after making a mental note to send one of the maids up to dust the room properly. It's a shame Sofia had already left for the day. "I need to talk to you about dinner…"
"Oh, that's alright, Frau Schmidt," Maria interrupted, "I realise I'm too late for dinner."
"Too late…?" Frau Schmidt frowned. "Oh, not at all," she explained with forced brightness, "it's your lucky day…"
Lucky day…? Maria wondered if the housekeeper was joking. If this was a lucky day, what did the worst day of her life look like?
"Tonight, dinner's been delayed," the housekeeper continued, "so you still have plenty of time to get yourself to the dining room."
"I don't understand…" it was Maria's turn to frown as she recalled the hungry children racing up the terrace steps. "When I arrived, the Captain told the children, dinner was on the table."
"That's right. The children are having dinner now, as we speak," Frau Schmidt nodded. "But the good news is, you're still in time for the second sitting…"
"The second sitting…?"
"Oh, yes, things are much fancier now…" Frau Schmidt smiled with a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "Since you left, we now have two sittings for dinner…"
"Two…?"
"The children eat at six o'clock as usual," the housekeeper explained, "and then, an hour later, we have the adults…"
"The children eat alone…?" Maria's eyes widened, not quite believing what she was hearing. Forgetting about the door, she let go and took a few steps toward the housekeeper. None of this made any sense.
Glancing warily at the open door, Frau Schmidt let out a sigh as Fraulein Maria seemed to forget her state of undress and walked toward her. "One of Baroness Schraeder's changes…" she whispered with a roll of her eyes.
"And the Captain agreed to it?" Maria asked, narrowing her eyes.
"He agreed to a trial," Frau Schmidt answered carefully, keeping her voice low. "I hope that's all it turns out to be," she added sniffingly. "I don't think the Baroness realises the extra work she creates…"
"But what about the poor children…?" Maria demanded.
"Oh, between you and me…" Frau Schmidt shot a worried glance at the open door and dropped her voice lower so it was barely a whisper. "From what I've seen, the woman doesn't care much for children…"
"But she must!" Maria's voice rose to a high pitch, almost bordering on shrill. It was her one consolation at the Abbey. Baroness Schraeder would have a chance to grow closer to the children. Noticing Frau Schmidt's worried expression was looking over her shoulder, she glanced at the open door. "She's going to be their mother…" she turned back and whispered, her heart tightening, barely able to bring herself to think the word, let alone say it out loud.
"I don't think she plans to do much mothering…" Frau Schmidt snorted.
Maria frowned at the housekeeper.
"Once again, between you and me…" Frau Schmidt took a step closer, so there was barely six inches between them. "I wouldn't be surprised if that woman ships the children off to boarding school…"
"Boarding school…?" Maria hissed in horror, feeling like she'd been struck by a sharp blow.
"I've seen her type before," Frau Schmidt's raised brow accompanied her nod.
"But boarding school…" Maria mumbled incoherently, barely able to contemplate the horror, still reeling from the possibility. "That would mean separating the children…"
"If you ask me, separating the children is not Baroness Schraeder's concern," Frau Schmidt muttered.
"What does the Captain have to say?" Maria asked.
"Honestly, I don't think he knows what's hit him," Frau Schmidt shook her head, "or what's about to…"
"But he must have some idea," Maria narrowed her eyes. The Captain couldn't be that oblivious.
"The Captain's the Captain," Frau Schmidt shrugged in reply. She'd worked for the family so long, she was no longer surprised by the Captain hiding away whenever things became difficult. He might be on dry land these days, but he might as well board one of his U-boats, the way he disappeared into his study and submerged himself into his thoughts and worries. Staring across the room at the chest of drawers, she reminded herself about the maid. At this hour, it would have to wait until tomorrow…
"Now, remember, you haven't heard any of this from me," the housekeeper whispered, suddenly remembering herself and realising she'd said far too much.
"I won't mention a word to anyone…" Maria promised. Boarding school…? The two words were still reverberating in her head, making it impossible to think of anything else.
Frau Schmidt turned her attention away from the dusty furniture and smiled at the governess, who seemed a million miles away. "I'll leave you to get ready for dinner, Fraulein Maria."
"Dinner…?" Maria frowned, realising she'd been lost in own thoughts.
"Remember? Your presence has been requested…"
Maria glanced at the alarm clock on the bedside table. It had just gone seven o'clock. "But aren't I late for the second sitting?"
"Not at all," Frau Schmidt smiled. "We've pushed dinner out half an hour tonight, all thanks to the children disappearing for the afternoon…"
"Disappearing…? Maria's eyes widened. What on Earth had the children been up to?
"Apparently…" Frau Schmidt's voice dropped as she walked across to run her finger across the top of the chest of drawers, "they went on a jaunt to town…"
"Town…?" Maria frowned, her eyes shifting to one of the windows, as if the answer might be found out there, somewhere.
"Mmmm…" the housekeeper murmured, shaking her head as she studied her finger.
"What were they doing in town?" Maria wondered out loud, still staring out the window.
"I haven't had a chance to find out…" Frau Schmidt turned back to the governess with a furrowed brow. "Now back to dinner…" she waited for Fraulein Maria to turn back to her. "You're not too late, and you're expected to be there."
"Oh…?" Maria wondered who might have requested she be there. Herr Detweiler, possibly. Baroness Schraeder, unlikely. The Captain…? The mere thought of sitting with him at the dining table sent off a new wave of panic. "But I'm not very hungry… I was going to unpack, then eat something later, in the kitchen…" she went on to explain. I'm sure I won't be missed…
"Suit yourself, Fraulein Maria," Frau Schmidt walked towards the open door. She'd done her bit, it was hardly her fault if Fraulein Maria didn't join the Captain and his guests for dinner. Anyway, who in their right mind wanted to spend dinner listening to Baroness Schraeder…? She could hardly blame the girl if she stayed in her room.Reaching for the door handle, she stopped and turned. "But who knows? Your presence at the dinner table might just be what this place needs..."
The door closing sounded so distant, it could have been miles away. Her aching heart now forgotten, Maria's mind was churning. She turned to face the armoire, but instead walked across to the nearest window. Pushing aside the curtain, she stared out across the treetops. The children weren't eating dinner with their father…? Things had gone backwards since she'd left. And it was Baroness Schraeder making the changes. The Baroness was making little effort with the children? No wonder they were so pleased to see her.
No family dinners were one thing, but boarding school… Surely, Frau Schmidt was wrong about that one. But what if she was right? Walking across to the armoire, she stared at the dresses hanging on the rail in front of her. Sitting through dinner might be bearable if the children were there, without them, it would be torture.
The children…
Her mind immediately went back to Frau Schmidt's parting words…
Your presence might be just what this place needs…
oOo
Walking up the stairs, muttering under his breath, he couldn't believe how clumsy he was. Sponging his jacket with a white handkerchief, he decided it was all in vain. In fact, he was probably making matters worse. The well-aged brandy had wasted no time soaking into the fine Italian wool, spreading outwards from the left lapel of his light grey jacket. Now, he was left with a dark, unsightly stain.
Thankfully, there was still time to change before dinner. Stuffing the stained handkerchief in his trouser pocket, his ears pricked at the sound of footsteps coming from the staff wing.
Reaching the first landing, he waited and turned toward the footsteps, each one louder than the last. Hopefully, it was Fraulein Maria. It wouldn't do any harm to have a quiet word with the girl before dinner and follow up Frau Schmidt's efforts with some encouragement of his own. Honestly, it was a crime not to share the children's voices with the world. And he was sure the little governess agreed.
Now that they were eating alone, Elsa tried to steer the conversation away from the children. He smiled, wondering if she'd ever overcome her awkwardness around Georg's children. Georg, the stubborn old fool! With an ally at dinner, it might be easier to wear him down. Especially, if his ally was Fraulein Maria. Georg couldn't resist the girl, hung on her every word…
Despite a tinge of disappointment, he smiled when the housekeeper appeared at the head of the stairs. Argh, she'd been to see Fraulein Maria!
"Frau Schmidt, fancy meeting you here!" he continued smiling as she walked down the stairs to join him.
"Hmph!" the housekeeper replied. Pulling up on the flight of stairs, she frowned down at Herr Detweiler from the step above the landing.
"I trust you've spoken to Fraulein Maria about dinner," Max asked, dropping his voice to a conspiratorial whisper.
"I did, Herr Detweiler," Frau Schmidt sighed.
"And…?" Max demanded.
"She knows when dinner is, whether she turns up is another…" Frau Schmidt stopped abruptly, her eyes drawn to an angry stain on Herr Detweiler's jacket.
Max's eyes followed the housekeeper's frown, both staring at the dark patch on his jacket. "Brandy…" he explained sheepishly.
"Well, we'd better get that laundered before the stain sets," Frau Schmidt tut-tutted.
"I was just on my way upstairs to change," Max explained.
Frau Schmidt sighed, wondering if this day was ever going to end. This morning, she'd been up at five as usual, but with a late dinner and now Herr Detweiler's laundry, it would be well after ten before she retired for the night. "Bring the jacket downstairs with you and we'll take care of it." That usually meant, she'd take care of it…
"Thank you, Frau Schmidt," Max nodded. "I'd better keep going," he smiled, with a shrug. "You know how the Captain gets when people are late for dinner…" he added with a wink as he turned to take the flight of stairs up to the guest wing.
oOo
Casting one last critical eye over his reflection, he ran a hand down the lapel of his jacket. Frowning, he straightened his tie for the third – or was it the fourth? – time. Finally satisfied with the image that stared back, he gave himself a nod of encouragement. Still drawing a blank on what exactly he was going to say, he'd decided to rely on his instincts. They'd kick in once he was in Maria's room. Or at least, he hoped they would.
Turning, he strode out of the dressing room. Crossing the bedroom, he reminded himself to breathe. If he'd learned one thing during his time with the Imperial Navy, in times like this, deep breathing lowered the heart rate, calmed the nerves and cleared the mind. It was a good theory, but tonight was proving difficult in practice. Reaching for the door, his heart was racing, he was so nervous he felt ill, and his mind was anything but clear.
Closing the door behind him, he paused in the master wing's hallway. Breathe, you idiot! His feet shifted after several deep breaths. Heart still racing, mind a complete mess. Finding himself moving along the hallway, the fingers on his left hand were already moving, anticipating being alone with Maria. He was minutes away from seeing her again, and this time, it would just be the two of them. He balled his fingers into a tight fist at the thought.
Leaving the master wing's hallway, he paused for a moment on the upper landing. Despite the pounding in his head, he could hear the children in the distance, their voices and laughter reaching the landing from somewhere below. He smiled, unable to make sense of anything they were saying. They must be in the dining room, or perhaps they'd returned to the sitting room, obviously still excited by Maria's return. God knows, they'd been inconsolable after she'd left. It strengthened his resolve to encourage her to stay.
At the thought of seeing her, his feet were moving again. Approaching the hallway leading to the guest wing, he felt a pang of guilt. God, he'd been a fool! He should speak to Elsa first, but it was bound to be a messy conversation. Best to talk after dinner.First, he needed to speak to Maria. Striding faster, needing to see her, he walked past the guest wing. Guilty eyes glanced down the hallway, not wanting to linger, but relieved to see it empty.
Hearing the click of a door closing in the distance, he increased the pace of his steps. Rounding the upper balcony, he passed the children's wing, dreading the sound of Elsa calling his name. There was that guilty pang again. Arriving at the stairs, he reached out and placed a hand on the balustrade. He still had no idea what he was going to say to Maria, he just knew he had to say something. Anything to make her stay. They needed her – the children adored her. Fraulein, I love you…
"Georg…!"
Freezing partway down the flight of stairs, his body tightened and his hands fisted as he turned slowly, almost in slow motion. "Max…" he bit down, his jaw clenched.
"Wait up, Georg!" Max called out, his feet moving as fast along the upper balcony as they could carry him.
Georg stood on the step, the fingers on his hands now moving, flexing. "I thought you were in the sitting room…" It sounded like an accusation, which it was, aimed squarely at Max, who was now standing at the top of the stairs catching his breath.
"I was… small accident," Max explained, looking down on his friend. "But now that I've got you…" slowly regaining his breath, he started walking down the stairs to where Georg was frowning up at him. "You need to tell me about Fraulein Maria…"
"Fraulein Maria…?" Georg asked slowly, deliberately, bristling defensively. Don't give anything away, you fool…
"I hear she's returned…" Max was too busy, still trying to catch his breath, to notice Georg's change in demeanour. "Who would have thought…"
"Hmph…" Georg answered, turning his back on his friend, and continuing down the stairs to the front door landing. Hesitating before turning to take the flight of stairs to the grand foyer, he glanced up at the staff wing, wondering what she was doing. Have you thought of me, Fraulein…? He hadn't stopped thinking of her…
"I think we're in luck, Georg," Max followed closely behind him, down to the grand foyer.
"Luck…?" Georg snapped over his shoulder.
"There might be time for another drink before dinner," Max explained.
"Always time for another drink, isn't there, Max?" Georg muttered.
"My thoughts exactly, Georg!"
"Hmph!" Georg walked toward the sitting room, oblivious that Max was following behind him. When would there be another chance to catch Maria? He had to speak to her soon. God help him if she took off again… She'd proven to be unpredictable in the past. Face it man, you haven't a clue what the woman's thinking…
"Pappa!" Marta came hurtling out of the dining room toward him.
"Oh -ho! Who do we have here?" he laughed, reaching down, and catching her in his arms. All seemed to be forgiven now that they'd had dinner. He lifted Marta off the floor, balancing her on his hip. Their mood probably had nothing to do with dinner and everything to do with Maria…
"Where's Fraulein Maria?!" Kurt called out on cue as he passed through the doorway, his voice echoing around the cavernous foyer.
Georg looked from Marta to see the children smiling and laughing as they poured into the foyer. What a relief to see them happy. With one arm wrapped around Marta, his other arm wrapped around Brigitta and Gretl as they jostled each other against his leg.
"We were going upstairs to see Fraulein Maria," Liesl explained.
Georg looked over the heads of the smaller children and shared a smile with his eldest daughter. "Why don't we let her settle in and have some dinner first?"
"But, Father," Brigitta complained, "do we have to?"
"She'll be happy to see us, won't she?" Marta asked in a soft voice.
"Of course, she will, sweetheart," Georg kissed Marta's forehead before bending down and placing her feet on the floor.
"But I want to show her my painting…" Gretl complained.
"Maybe later, sweetheart," Georg reached out and brushed his fingers down his youngest daughter's cheek. "Fraulein Maria will be tired from her trip, and she hasn't eaten yet." Gretl sighed, while her brothers and sisters nodded slowly.
"Why don't you busy yourselves in sitting room?" Georg suggested, avoiding Louisa's eyes. Her hurt looks after Maria left had turned to anger after they announced their engagement. Oh God, what a mistake! Hopefully, with time, the children might forgive him. "There'll be plenty of time to catch up after dinner." The children nodded grudgingly and turned to make their way slowly to the sitting room. Watching them disappear through the sitting room doorway, he marvelled at the bond between the children and Maria. Maria… The fingers on his left hand started tingling, flexing at the thought of her.
"Fraulein Maria has those children wrapped around her little finger, hasn't she?" Max muttered under his breath, unaware he'd startled Georg out of his thoughts.
"Mmmm…" Georg replied mechanically, his mind already circling back to the governess' room. He needed a drink. Striding toward the study, he silently cursed Max for following him. But he could hardly do anything about it. What could he say…
Excuse me Max, I need to go upstairs and speak to the woman I love – and no, it's not Elsa…
oOo
Finding herself, once again, sitting on the edge of the bed in her under garments, Maria had no idea what she should do. Staring at the bags Frau Schmidt had left near the end of the bed, she was still torn between running or staying. If it wasn't for the children, she was sure she'd have left by now. How could she leave now, when the words of Frau Schmidt kept playing through her mind.
Boarding school…?
How could the Captain possibly send the children to boarding school. They'd be separated in goodness knows how many directions, only seeing each other for a few weeks at a time over the holidays. It was heartbreaking. After everything they'd been through, the children had grown so close. Separating them was unthinkable.
As much as she wanted to avoid the Captain and eat in the kitchen, she had half a mind to turn up in the dining room just to give the Captain a piece of her mind. He might not be in on the boarding school plans, but he had agreed to these silly dinner arrangements. Even if it was just a trial. What was he thinking? They were supposed to be a family, and sharing meals was what families did.
Baroness Schraeder didn't have children, so perhaps she had an excuse. But the Captain… Tightening her jaw, she couldn't wait to have a word with him. Perhaps, that was why she was so reluctant to go to dinner. She wasn't sure she could sit there and not say a word. But she was leaving in a few days, so if she did say something, what was the worst that could happen. Pack your bags this minute and return to the Abbey. He'd said it once before. But this time, she couldn't return to the Abbey. She sighed. She had nowhere to go…
Knock! Knock!
Her eyes flew towards the door. Who was it this time? She reminded herself it might be Frau Schmidt bringing up some towels, or perhaps one of the maids to do some dusting.
"Coming…" she called out. Standing up, she realised she was still only wearing her underclothes. Shaking her head at herself, she picked up the creased blue-green dress she'd tossed back on the bed and held it against her.
Reaching the door, she opened it slowly. "Oh…?" she tried to bite back her surprise. "I wasn't expecting you…" she blushed.
"Fraulein Maria…" Elsa smiled at the girl's dishevelled appearance. Standing in the hallway for a moment, then two, she waited for an invitation to enter the girl's room. But it never came. "I was wondering if we might have a word…" she added when it became obvious the girl hadn't found any manners back at the Abbey.
"Oh… of course…" Maria smiled awkwardly as she stood aside. Thoughts of their last, and only, conversation in this room came flooding back. She felt her cheeks redden, as her eyes looked Baroness Schraeder up and down as she walked past. Taking in her extravagant, but beautifully tailored red dress and jacket. She wondered where the Captain was taking her.
Was she dressed for the theatre, the opera, or dinner at one of the fancy restaurants in town? The thought felt like another stab to the heart. It must have been Herr Detweiler wanting her to join him for dinner, rather than eating alone.
"Can I help you…?" Maria finally broke the awkward silence.
"Well, yes, there was something…" Elsa turned to face the girl, looking her up and down with a critical eye.
"Yes, Baroness…?" Maria asked tentatively, not sure what help she could offer the woman who was marrying the Captain. Another stab to the heart… But then, did she want to help a woman who could be so cruel to the children,
"You mentioned, well, you did say…" Elsa began with a smile, reminding herself to be as pleasant as possible, "you'll only stay until we find another governess."
"That's right…" Maria nodded slowly.
"That had me thinking," Elsa continued brightly. "It will make more sense if you leave tomorrow…"
"Tomorrow…?" Maria frowned.
"Well, why would you stay on if you're only going to leave?" Elsa cocked her head to the side.
"I thought, perhaps…"
"It shouldn't be difficult finding a replacement…"
"I suppose…" Maria was shocked at how much Baroness Schraeder's words stung. A replacement…?
"Of course, any decision on a replacement will be made by me," Elsa continued. "And I shouldn't be needing your input, my dear," she added patronisingly.
"Oh, I see…" Maria didn't know what to say, but this may confirm Frau Schmidt's suspicions.
"So, it looks like it's all arranged," Elsa smiled. "I'll explain your plans to the Captain later tonight."
Maria bit her lip, not wanting to think about the Captain alone with Baroness Schraeder later tonight. Leave tomorrow…? "What about telling the children…?"
"The children…?" Elsa smiled. "Oh, I think it might be best to tell them tomorrow, don't you?"
Maria nodded slowly. It looked like the Baroness had everything planned. Just like Frau Schmidt suggested…
"Well, it looks like we're in agreement," Elsa smiled. "It's best for everyone, Fraulein Maria…" she started making her way toward the door. Resting her hand on the handle, before opening the door, she turned to face the girl, who was staring off into space. "Why don't I ask Frau Schmidt to bring some dinner up to your room?"
"Thank you, Baroness Schraeder," Maria turned slowly toward the door. "I think I'll eat in the kitchen later," she mumbled.
"Suit yourself," Elsa answered brightly as she opened the door and let herself out into the hallway. Closing the door behind her, she paused in the hallway, deciding their little chat had gone even better than she'd hoped. Now, she just had to go back to her room, wait five minutes – maybe ten – before making her grand entrance in the dining room. He won't be able to resist me…
Maria walked over to the armoire. She ran her fingers along the row of dresses and skirts – the beautiful materials the Captain had ordered from town. Just for her. But the Captain didn't love her. That much was clear.
Glancing at the clock on the beside table, it was almost half past seven. Almost dinner. She had no idea what to do. Stay or leave, hide up here, go to the dining room, spend her last hours with the children…
She sighed. Her head ached; her heart was broken. Hopefully, the Lord would send a sign… anything…
Turning back to dresses, her fingers found the silk of the blue dress she'd grown to love...
oOo
Georg passed a brandy to Max, then poured a double shot for himself. Forcing the stopper on the decanter, he placed it back on the cabinet with a thud. Damn Max for ambushing him. He turned and glanced at the clock on the mantel. Five minutes before dinner. Barely time for a drink, let alone speak to Maria.
He wondered what she was doing. Was she unpacking? Was she dressing for dinner? Was she…
"Georg, I was hoping to go to town tomorrow…" Max's smiled slipped away as he realised Georg was still standing beside the drink's cabinet, staring into space. "Georg…?"
"Ahem…" Georg cleared his throat and turned in the direction of his name. "What was that, Max?"
"I was just saying, I need to go to town tomorrow," Max repeated himself. "I was hoping to borrow the car."
"Mmmm…" Georg nodded, his friend's words barely registering.
"Well, that was easy!" Max held up his glass in a celebratory toast.
"What…?" Wondering what he'd just agreed to, Georg frowned across to the armchair where Max was making himself comfortable. This is ridiculous! Picking up his glass, he downed the brandy in one gulp. "I need to take care of something…"
Staring wide-eyed at Georg making a hasty exit through the study door, Max shook his head. The man was difficult to read at the best of times, but tonight…
Striding along the hallway with renewed purpose, Georg turned into the foyer. The sound of the children grew louder as he neared the sitting room and the staircase. Everything else could wait – talking to Maria was more important. Halfway across the foyer, his steps slowed to a stop.
Above the sound of the children, he could have sworn, he heard a door closing. Definitely coming from upstairs, it was impossible to know which wing. Turning around, his eyes circled the upper balcony, desperate to catch a glimpse of Maria, praying it wasn't Elsa. A wave of guilt washed over him, but he tried to shake it off, promising himself he'd have this mess sorted tonight. God, what a disaster…
He heard footsteps, but couldn't work out where they were coming from. Standing in the middle of the foyer, his eyes did another, slower lap of the balcony. He froze, the sound of his heart pounding in his ears. The footsteps were behind him. He'd recognise them anywhere. Instinctively, his fingers started flexing. Turning slowly, he stopped, his breath catching at the sight of her on the top of the stairs.
He smiled. Not yet noticing him, she seemed to be lost in her own world. You haven't changed one bit, Fraulein! Holding his breath, he narrowed his eyes, watching her float down the stairs in that blue dress. It had become his favourite from the moment she first wore it, that night she rushed into the dining room – late as usual – stealing his breath, demanding his attention.
Stepping down the flight of stairs to the front door landing, long slender fingers trailed along the handrail. His heart was racing, his fingers moving, desperate to touch her, feel her. God, he wanted to kiss her… As she rounded the landing, she stopped. Their eyes locked. He couldn't breathe…
"Captain…" his name caught in her throat. He looked so handsome, so unguarded…
"Fraulein…" he nodded up to the landing, his mouth so dry, he couldn't say another word. God, she was beautiful! He took a tentative step towards the staircase, and then another. He smiled – a stupid, ridiculous smile. Nothing mattered, in that moment, nothing else existed in the world except her. If he stopped to think, if he could hear above the blood pounding in his ears, he might have wondered why he couldn't hear the children anymore.
He took another step, the fingers on his hand moving. She smiled down at him, and his heart leapt. Realising he should say something, he went to open his mouth, praying his words wouldn't trip him up, hoping he could…
"Oh, there you are, Georg!"
Spell broken, his head spun around. Balling his hand into a fist, he tightened his jaw. His eyes found Elsa looking down from the upper balcony. Good God, what was she wearing?! It was hardly suitable for a family dinner. He gave her an awkward half-smile.
Maria…? He turned back to the front door, just in time to see Maria hurrying down the last of the steps. "Fraulein…?" He couldn't be sure if he said her name out loud. If he had, she didn't hear, or simply ignored him. His heart tightened.
As she rushed past, he could have sworn the skirt of her dress brushed his leg. Fraulein…?
oOo
Thank you everyone for reading, and for your lovely reviews!
I don't own TSOM, just having a lend.
"Immerse your soul in love"