When The Lord Closes A Door
Chapter 18
Max tried to call out to Maria as she fled past him, but she didn't stop. She continued to run along the hallway, tears streaming down her face.
Not missing a beat, Max barged straight into Georg's office, wanting to know what just happened. Georg had his back to Max as he entered the room and was half-way through pouring himself a drink.
"What on earth is going on?" Max demanded.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm pouring myself a drink," Georg replied dryly. "Want one?" He held up an empty glass towards Max, but Max waved it away.
"No. It's too early to drink, even for you, Georg," Max sounded disgusted as Georg downed one shot of whiskey before he started to pour himself another one. "No, tell me what just happened, in here with Maria?"
"With Maria?" Georg sounded deliberately vague as he sipped his second glass of whiskey.
Max huffed and shook his head in exasperation. "Yes, with Maria!" he cried. "One minute you're arguing, the next minute, she runs from your study in tears. What the hell did you do, Georg?"
Georg stared at Max intently for a few seconds before replying. "What I should have done months ago. I let her go."
"Let her go?" Max repeated in disbelief. "Are you insane?"
"Max, you don't understand…" Georg began but Max cut him off.
"Georg, I understand more than you think. You may have played coy with me all these months about how you really feel about Maria, but anyone with a pair of eyes can see exactly how she feels about you. Not to mention that Elsa told me everything about you two…"
"Elsa?"
Max nodded. "Yes, she was very open in her correspondence with me. She wrote me many letters detailing everything about your forbidden relationship with the little Fraulein…"
"Well, then you must understand!" Georg cried.
"I understand, Georg," Max said gently, placing his hand on Georg's arm and looking his friend hard in the eye. "I understand that neither you or Maria meant for this to happen, I understand that Elsa realised she should have bowed our graciously and never have come between you two, and I understand that it was Elsa's greatest wish for you and Maria to be together after she was gone. I understand it all."
Georg was hardly one to become emotional, especially in front of Max, but as he listened to Max outline everything that had happened in this crazy three-way love triangle in clear and concise terms, he found himself taking in deep breaths and clenching his jaw just to hold himself together.
"But what I don't understand," Max continued, "is how on earth you could do that to Maria? No wonder she was so upset as she ran from here."
"Max…" Georg sighed wearily, pinching the bridge of his nose and squeezing his eyes shut.
"Now," Max said firmly. "You've been brooding in here like a bear with a sore head for the past week since Elsa's funeral. I understand how you feel, Elsa was such a dear friend to me too and, even for a charming sponge like myself, I feel her death so deeply it hurts. And, lord knows, I've given you space and liberties to brood in here even what I know it isn't good for you… But Georg, you are a complete fool if you think that pushing Maria away is the best thing for either of you. And don't start sprouting some excuse about feeling guilt, because I know it's complete codswallop."
When Georg didn't reply, Max continued. "That girl, I mean that woman, is the best thing that could have happened to you. Putting everything aside with the inappropriateness of the timing of how and when you fell in love with her, not to mention the fact that you foolishly married another woman, we all could see it, Elsa included, that she is the woman for you, Georg. She loves you and she loves the children, and they love her in return. Don't be a fool and throw all that away because of some ridiculous notion of feeling guilt. Of course you're feeling guilt – you'd hardly be a man if you didn't! But Maria will help you through it, the children will help you through it, and even I will step out of character to help you through it as well."
Georg sank down into the nearest chair, placed his elbows on his knees and rested his head into his hands. He sat that way for a minute or so thinking and reflecting on everything Max had said. Finally, he raised his head. "You're right, I know you're right."
"What was that?" Max jested, holding one hand up to his ear like he hadn't heard Georg clearly. "I was right?"
Georg rolled his eyes and shook his head in exasperation. "Yes, and that's the one and only time in your life you'll ever hear it! Now Max, how do I fix this?"
Max sat down next to Georg. "You go to Maria, say you were wrong and ask for forgiveness. I suggest a lot of begging and grovelling too, and I mean a lot! It normally works for me." Max cocked his head and let out a chuckle.
"Oh Max, you are outrageous," Georg muttered under his breath. "But I do appreciate your friendship and for knocking some sense into me."
Georg and Max stood up and shook hands before they both began to make their way out of the study – Georg to go and find Maria, and Max to find more food, possibly another strudel. But suddenly, there was a knock on the door and Frau Schmidt burst into the room without waiting for an answer to the door.
"Oh Captain and Herr Detweiler, please come quick," the housekeeper asked breathlessly. "To the kitchen. You must hear this."
At once Georg and Max followed Frau Schmidt along the corridors until they got to the kitchen. A large number of household staff, including Franz were huddled around the wireless that was sitting in the centre of the large kitchen bench. They all listened in silence as it was announced that earlier that morning, the German armies had crossed over the border in the Austria, unopposed by the Austrian military and the unification of Austria and Germany, the Anschluss, was now complete.
Georg felt a wave of foreboding wash over him as Frau Schmidt clicked off the wireless as soon as the announcement was over. So it was done, Austria was no more… He swallowed hard as he tried to process everything it would mean to himself and his family. He knew it was coming, but he didn't think it would happen so soon. They were in big trouble.
Georg quickly barked orders at the household staff to carry on with their regular duties and that nothing in the household had changed. Of course he knew it to be an absolute lie. Everything had changed! And he just hoped he'd have time to put a plan into place before it was too late.
Leaving the kitchen, Georg took the staircase two at a time until he reached the first level then strode purposefully towards Maria's room. He rapped his knuckles on the hard wood three times and waited. No answer. He tried again, then a third time before finally the door opened barely an inch. As soon as the occupant of the room saw who it was, the door shut abruptly.
"Maria," Georg called out, knocking his fist on the door again. "Please open up. We need to talk."
"No, not this time," came a muffled voice from inside the room. "Go away."
"Maria please, it's important."
"Can't you understand that I don't want to talk to you, Georg," Maria cried from inside the room.
"I know you don't but you've got to," replied Georg earnestly.
A second or two passed before the door slowly opened. Maria stood back to allow Georg inside her room. It broke his heart to see her blood-shot eyes and just how tear-stained her face looked.
"Maria," Georg began. "You must allow me to apologise for what I said to you earlier. I behaved badly. Forgive me?"
But Maria shook her head despondently. "Georg, you said and did exactly what we both should have done a long time ago. You don't need to apologise for that."
"But I do. I hurt you and I'm sorry. I don't want you to go."
"That may be so, but it's too late for that. I've made my decision and I'm leaving as soon as I can make other arrangements."
Georg nodded in acceptance. He'd completely messed things up, again, and now he would have to live with the consequences. But the earlier announcement of the Anschluss finally occurring weighed on his mind.
"Alright, if that's really your decision then I'll stand by and accept it and let you leave," he said seriously. "But Maria, I fear that you may not be safe leaving." Maria narrowed her eyes in confusion as he spoke. "Just now as I was coming up to speak to you, I heard on the wireless: the Anschluss has happened. Austria is no more."
"What?" the shock in her voice was apparent. She sunk down onto the bed as she took in the news. "What now?" she breathed, still in shock.
"I don't know, but I fear we don't have much time. I'll need your help…"
But Maria shook her head and half-laughed, half-cried almost to herself. "You need my help?" she repeated scornfully. "You haven't changed have you? You want me then you push me aside, you tell me to go then you want to me stay… Always it is you, you, you! How long do I need to put up with you so callously tossing me aside whenever you get the whim, then begging me to come back when it suits you? Georg, it's over! I think I need to take care of myself, put myself first and not let myself be persuaded by you time and time again. I'm exhausted and I can't do it anymore. I can't play these games anymore. This time I need to go, even if it isn't safe. I need to take my life into my own hands for once." Maria stood then walked to the closed door. She opened it, and motioned with her head for Georg to leave.
Georg took the hint and, with regret, he walked through the doorway. But as he turned to say something else to Maria, he was met by the door slamming in his face.
Georg swallowed hard. He deserved it, he knew it. Yet, he also knew that he was desperate and he didn't have much time left. Quickly, he returned to his study then sat down at his desk. He took out a sheet of paper and began to write.
M&G - M&G - M&G
A couple of hours past and Georg finally left his study after he finished everything he needed to do there. He went and found the children, who were with Max down in the gardens by the lake. He sheepishly apologised to them for his behaviour over the past weeks, especially with using his whistle earlier that morning and his heartfelt apology was met with hugs from all seven children. Georg locked eyes with Max who gave him a 'told you so' look and Georg was tempted to boost Max's ego by once again telling him he was right, but he resisted knowing that Max's over-inflated head was already in danger of not being able to fit inside the house anymore.
But the person Georg really wanted to tell that they were right was Maria, but she was nowhere to be found. She hadn't come down from her room since he'd spoke to her earlier that morning, and he didn't blame her. He had behaved abominably towards her repeatedly and repeatedly when every time she'd just offered her love and support in return. But now it was too late. She was leaving and there was nothing he could do about it.
They didn't see Maria until dinner time. It was the first meal that Georg had joined the children for since Elsa's death. Although Georg had apologised to the children for his frightful mood over the past week or so, the children still seemed a little wary of making too much noise or laughing a lot in fear of Georg snapping again. But Max, on the other hand, had no qualms about laughing and joking and carrying on with everyone around the dinner table, even being bold enough to bring up the topic of singing competitions with Georg who, at once, shut Max completely down. The only person who was quiet during dinner was Maria. She wouldn't meet Georg's eyes and only picked at her food, slowly pushing the meal around her plate with her fork while she put on the pretence of eating.
Dinner was almost finished when they heard the doorbell ring. Georg frowned as it was late on a Saturday night and he didn't expect any callers at that hour of the night.
A minute or so later, Franz entered the dining room. "Captain, you have some visitors."
"Who, Franz?" Georg questioned, quickly wiping his mouth with his napkin and getting to his feet.
"Sir, I think it's best you just come and meet them."
Georg followed Franz out into the grand hallway. To his surprise, Herr Zeller was waiting there with several other men wearing uniforms with Nazi swastikas emblazoned on them.
As Georg arrived, all of the men raised one hand in a Nazi salute then called out "Heil Hitler!" Georg stood still with his arms planted firmly by his sides, refusing to return their salute.
"Herr Zeller," Georg said, trying to keep the distain from his voice. "It's rather late for a social call, isn't it?"
Her Zeller sneered unpleasantly. "Not a social call, I'm afraid Captain. I have something for you, something which I was keen to deliver in person." Zeller walked the couple steps towards Georg and handed him a telegram.
Georg narrowed his eyes as he took the piece of paper from Zeller's hand. Slowly he opened it, allowing his eyes to scan the contents of the telegram before he raised his eyes to lock his gaze with Zeller's. He didn't say anything, just glared at Zeller.
"Captain," Zeller spoke instead. "I'm sure you have heard about the success of the Anschluss earlier today, but perhaps what you may not have heard is that I am now the Gauleiter. What you have in your hand, Captain is a telegram from the Admiral of the Navy of the Third Reich."
"I was under the impression, Herr Zeller," Georg's eyes blazed. "That the contents of telegrams in Austria are private, at least the Austria I know…" Georg saw Max, the children and Maria come out of the dining room out of the corner of his eye. Maria gasped when she saw Herr Zeller, and Georg heard Gretl and Marta start to cry. He quickly motioned with one hand to hush them and keep them quiet.
"Captain, you have been offered a commission from Berlin which you have been requested to accept immediately," Zeller continued. "I have my orders to take you to the naval base in Bremerhaven tonight where you will accept your commission."
Georg knew he had only seconds to think, and he couldn't think of much in such little time. "I'm afraid, that's going to be quite impossible…" he began slowly. "You see, the children and I are all still recovering from the death of my late wife. I couldn't possibly leave them at this time of grief."
But Zeller wasn't sold on Georg's lame excuse. "Oh come now Captain, I am well aware of your late wife's death and I even attended her funeral a week ago. You cannot possibly expect me to believe this feeble excuse for why you cannot come with us tonight. Karl," Zeller called out to one of his stooges behind him. "Escort Captain von Trapp to the car. It seems he has a long journey tonight."
Karl stepped forward and firmly took hold of Georg's arm. Georg tried to yank his arm away but Karl held onto it more tightly. The other Nazi's with them pulled out their guns and pointed straight them at Georg.
Georg flicked his eyes firstly to Max, then to Maria, who looked terrified. She took a step forward to stand protectively in front of the children. Georg knew if he tried to resist the Nazi's then either he would be shot or that his family and Maria would be in great danger. Georg knew he had no choice but to go with them.
Georg gave a faint nod. "Alright, Zeller. I'll go with you tonight, but can I at least have a moment to say goodbye to my family?"
Zeller thought for a moment before he relented. He nodded to Karl who let Georg go. Georg quickly moved towards the children who rushed into his embrace. He whispered words of reassurance to the children and gave each of them a quick hug and a kiss on the top of their head. Turning to Max, he shook his hand and embraced him while quickly whispering something into his ear.
Finally, Georg turned to Maria. She looked like she was struggling to hold it together. He stepped forward and took her hands in his own momentarily then gazed deeply into her eyes, silently trying to communicate how sorry he was for what he said earlier that day and to tell her everything that was in his heart. She gave a faint nod like she knew and understood.
Finally, he moved forward and hugged her. But as she hugged him back, Maria heard Georg whisper in her ear. "Top drawer of the desk in my study."
Maria looked confused as Georg pulled out of their embrace, especially when she felt a small, hard object being pressed into her hand.
A moment later, Karl appeared back at Georg's side, taking his arm firmly again and, after several more salutes and Heil Hitler's later, Georg was escorted from the house in the middle of the night into the waiting car to be transported to the naval base in Bremerhaven to accept his commission.
A/N: So Georg has finally come to his senses, even though it's a little late. More twists and turns in this story and lots more to come so I hope people will keep reading. Thanks for all the kind reviews - feedback is always so encouraging and much appreciated. Please continue to review!