AN: Apologies everyone for taking so long to post Chapter 13. I was dragged off into a project that took all my time and focus… but I'm back!
It feels like forever, so just a quick refresh of where we left off: Maria has returned to the villa, and it's late that same night. Elsa went upstairs to refill her cigarette case, leaving Max on his own in the sitting room. Since the end of dinner, Georg had been hiding in the study. He's just gone upstairs to change into another suit after Liesl's tears stained his shirt and jacket. Maria has gone downstairs to check on Liesl and found her fast asleep on the sofa in the study. Someone has just interrupted them…
Okay, that's more than enough from me, back to the story…
oOo
"Oh, hallo…" Maria tried her best to sound bright and cheery. But as her attempt to penetrate the icy stare appeared to be falling flat, her smile began to fade.
"Liesl... Fraulein Maria…" the fixed expression moved from the girl before settling on the governess. "I didn't expect to find you here."
What was left of Maria's smile disappeared, unsure whether you meant her, or Liesl, or both. Quickly deciding it didn't matter, she tried to think of something to say. But what? At this hour of the night, there wasn't much to chat about, and it's not like they'd ever really chatted, anyway. With the awkward silence dragging out, it was becoming clear she and Liesl were expected to leave the study. But she was determined to stand her ground, despite not feeling particularly brave. "Did you need me for something?"
"Need you…?"
She bit her lower lip. It had been a truly stupid question – the response was what she deserved. Apart from children, who needed a governess at this hour of the night?
Franz sniffed, feeling more than his usual contempt for this woman. He resented having to explain himself to a governess. Especially, one as ridiculous as Fraulein Maria. "Actually, I was looking for the Captain."
"Oh…" Maria's response sounded more like a question. It was getting late, even for the Captain. Blushing a little, she wondered at what point over the summer she'd become something of an expert in the Captain's sleeping patterns. Early to bed, early to rise, Fraulein… his playful words came to mind far too easily. Clearing her throat, she chased them away, telling herself, surely, Franz would also know it was too late for the Captain. "He's not here…"
"I can see that, Fraulein Maria," the butler's patronising reply cut off what was threatening to become yet another tiresome ramble from this woman. Truth was, he hadn't expected to find anyone in the study at this hour, but he was hardly going to admit that. "Have you seen the Captain?" he asked, maintaining the charade.
Slowly shaking her head, Maria sensed Liesl doing the same beside her. It was only then that Franz's expression wavered – the slightest twitch of his mouth, as if he were going to say something but thought better of it. Perhaps he'd decided to save his efforts for someone more important. He'd never seemed to like her, no matter how much she'd tried. They stood there, staring at each other across the room, the clock on the mantle counting away the seconds.
"It's getting late…" Maria found herself stating the obvious once again, but made no effort to move. After all, they were in the study before Franz. And to be honest, she wasn't sure she trusted him being left alone in the Captain's study at this hour of the night.
oOo
"Oomph…" the air left Brigitta's lungs as she was collected by Louisa's swinging her arm and forced sideways against the wall with a thud.
"Ssshhh…" Louisa hissed, glaring at Brigitta her sister in the soft light cast by the lamp. Finding a place against the wall behind Brigitta, Louisa kept a firm grip on her sister's arm just in case she did something stupid. But this was Brigitta. She never did anything stupid.
Pressed against the wall, their eyes scanned the end of the hallway, where the children's wing ran into the upper balcony. Despite their white nightgowns, they should be safe in the shadows, even though the brighter light at the end of the hall was barely five yards away.
Brigitta turned to whisper something over her shoulder but thought better of it.
Both girls held their breath, trying to shrink into the wall, as the clipping of heels grew louder. They only had to wait a few seconds before platinum blonde hair and flashy red sequins glided past.
With her cheek hard against the cool wall, Louisa knew she shouldn't have worried. The Baroness was never going to glance in their direction. If she wasn't mistaken, the steps had quickened past the children's wing. So much for Father's big announcement about her being their new mother – in her head, she spat out the words, filled with bitterness and resentment. Father should know, this isn't what Mamma would have wanted…
"She's in a hurry…" Brigitta whispered. A glance behind her, found her older sister nodding in agreement.
Louisa only loosened her grip on Brigitta's arm after the click-clack of Baroness Schraeder drifted into the distance. She could picture Father's friend – unable to think of her as anything more – sweeping down the staircase, pretending to be a woman from those glossy pages. Her jaw tightened. The pile of magazines with everything written in French had appeared in the sitting room after she'd dragged Father to town a few weeks ago. That evening, she and Liesl had been forced to sit either side of Baroness Schraeder on the settee, watching her turn the pages with more fake excitement than usual. Didn't she realise, none of them could care less about what they'd be wearing in Paris this autumn, or perfumes in their fancy bottles, or silly hairstyles, or manicured nails. In the dim light, she shot a guilty look at her hand. Despite scrubbing furiously with the little nail brush each night before bed, the dark rings under her nails had refused to budge for days. She pushed her shoulders back defiantly. If you wanted to go fishing, you had to dig for worms…
Stepping away from the wall and out of the shadows, Brigitta's bare feet padded a few steps along the hall runner, the sound of heels well and truly in the distance. She turned back to her sister, who was following behind, wearing a deeper frown than usual. "Do you think we should get the boys?" she whispered.
"The boys…?" Louisa stopped, looking at her younger sister as if she were mad. "Friedrich maybe… but you know how much noise Kurt makes."
"You're right," Brigitta nodded. Kurt could make noise standing still with his mouth shut. "You know how he gets. If Friedrich comes, we can't leave Kurt behind," she turned away from her sister, taking a silent step, and then another, toward the end of the hall. She sighed. Kurt would promise to be quiet, eventually wearing them down with his whining until they gave in. But Louisa was right. It was safer to leave them both behind.
Louisa took a few quick steps, catching up to her sister. The heels in the distance told her Baroness Schraeder was nearing the bottom of the stairs. "Where do you think she's going?"
"Wherever Father is…" Brigitta muttered, standing beside her sister in the last little bit of shadow at the end of the hall.
"I wish he'd see what she's really like," Louisa rolled her eyes.
"How can he?" Brigitta shrugged her shoulders. "She puts on such an act around him."
"I know," Louisa sighed. Brigitta was right. "It's not his fault," she agreed, as much to remind herself not to blame Father. That's one of the things she liked most about this summer. The blame had stopped. She hadn't realised how tiring it had been, being sad and angry all the time.
"Hopefully, we find Liesl before the Baroness does," Brigitta interrupted Louisa's thoughts.
"Let's hope," Louisa whispered back. "I wonder what happened to Fraulein Maria." It was because of her that everything was better, that the blame had stopped. Promising to go downstairs to check on Liesl, the minutes since Fraulein Maria left their bedroom had felt like hours. "Do you think she's with Father?"
"That's probably why the Baroness is in such a hurry…" Brigitta muttered, happy to see her sister smile. She went to take a step but stopped suddenly. Louisa had grabbed a handful of nightgown, pulling her back. Standing at the end of the hallway, they could hear the clip of heels from the foyer below.
Louisa motioned to her sister that they'd have to drop down on their stomachs, and Brigitta nodded in agreement. Keeping low, they moved from the dimly lit hallway onto the upper balcony, suddenly bathed in the bright lights from the grand foyer. Shimmying their way to the rail, they slowly lifted their heads, carefully peering over the edge to the floor below.
The glittering red dress had stopped moving and the heels were no longer clipping across the intricate pattern of the parquetry. They'd stopped in front of the large, gilded frame. Even with her back to them, it was obvious Baroness Schraeder was checking herself in the mirror. The girls turned to each other, and Louisa rolled her eyes at Brigitta, who shook her head…
Elsa's fingertips gently brushed her cheek, smoothing out the blush she'd reapplied minutes earlier. It was true – men couldn't resist women with a little flush in their cheeks. Without even realising, a man's thoughts were on her racing heart, convincing himself she was feeling a little warm and flustered all because of him. It could send a man crazy! Georg was no different. He just hid it better than most. Well, there'd be no reason to hide now, not now that everything was official.
Engaged to be married!
She smiled back at herself – a triumphant, radiant smile.
Baroness Elsa von Trapp.
It had a nice ring to it! Ring…? She frowned at her reflection. Tomorrow, she promised herself. By this time tomorrow, she'd have a large diamond on her finger. She held up her hand and studied it. On second thought, a cluster of diamonds would be nice.
If Georg had joined Max in the sitting room, surely, darling Max would make himself scarce like the loyal chaperone he was. Georg would be all hers! Returning to her reflection, she strained her ears as her eyes shifted, searching in the mirror behind her. There wasn't a sound from the direction of the sitting room. Her smile returned. This meant, they were alone and Georg was most likely in the study. Well, she'd just have to pay him a surprise visit, wouldn't she? Slipping out of her bolero jacket, she turned a little to the left and then the right, studying her superb figure in the mirror…
Still lying on her stomach, Brigitta turned to Louisa beside her. "What is she doing?" Brigitta whispered with a frown.
"Who knows…" Louisa mouthed with a shrug, then turned back to peer cautiously over the edge of the balcony to the foyer below.
Elsa reached up and gently pulled one of the thin straps of her dress down over her shoulder. Would that be too obvious? Well, this was Georg, she huffed to herself. Perhaps she should wear the jacket. It would still show off her trim waist, and she could keep him guessing. Maintaining the illusion her dress was a little, strapless thing might be more seductive. And who didn't enjoy the thrill of unwrapping a gift? She smiled at herself. Finally, Georg had realised she was a gift, a prize worth holding onto. When they arrived from Vienna, she might have been his saviour, but after weeks of skilful and patient planning and manoeuvring, she was now his fiancé. She'd been understanding, she'd been clever, she'd dealt with that nun, and now, she'd be his wife.
Baroness Elsa von Trapp…
She'd never tire of hearing people introduce her as…
"Oh, there you are…"
Jumping a little, Elsa's head spun from her reflection toward the sound of her name. She cleared her throat, hoping the light wasn't showing the blush blooming from her chest to her cheeks. Quickly composing herself, she wondered how long the housekeeper had been standing there at the opposite end of the foyer. "I didn't think you'd still be up at this hour…" the friendly tone and concerned words masked her irritation at being interrupted.
"I'm afraid I need to speak to you, Baroness Schraeder," Frau Schmidt called out as aged, weary feet reduced the distance between them.
"Really…?" Elsa snapped, this time, not even trying to hide her annoyance. What housekeeping matter needed her input at this hour of the night? "Surely, it can wait until the morning?"
"I wish it could," Frau Schmidt sighed as she crossed the foyer. Coming to a stop, her eyes dropped, clocking the revealing red dress. There was a name for women who wore dresses like that, and they weren't the kind of women who kept polite company, let alone swanned amongst high society. Debating whether to point out to the Baroness that one of the straps had slipped off her shoulder, she thought better of it. "It's the garden party," she stated flatly.
"The garden party…?" Elsa questioned, a little defensive, but still maintaining her glittering smile.
"I asked Cook to have a word with you about the menu," Frau Schmidt explained, "but she didn't want to cause any trouble."
"Trouble…?" Elsa slipped back into the bright red bolero jacket. She'd decided some time ago, all Georg's staff ever did was cause trouble. Some days, it was difficult to decide who was worse – the governess, the housekeeper, those giggling maids… Only the butler seemed to know his place. "Surely, there isn't any trouble," she lingered on the word. "It's an afternoon tea, for Heaven's sake," she added brightly, "and we are only having finger food."
"It might be easier to explain in the kitchen," Frau Schmidt suggested.
"The kitchen…?" Elsa looked at the housekeeper as if she'd invited her on a stroll to Siberia.
"It should only take a minute or two," Frau Schmidt tried her best to remain polite, but her patience was wearing thin at this late hour. Didn't the Baroness realise they were all trying their best to meet her endless and ever-changing demands? "If it's too much trouble, Baroness Schraeder, perhaps I should speak to the Captain tomorrow…"
"The Captain…?" Elsa's mask slipped for a moment, a frown flickering across her brow. Was the housekeeper threatening to pull rank? "Oh, I don't think we need to bother the Captain over a little afternoon tea, do you?" she answered light-heartedly, mask firmly back in place. It was important to remember, in Georg's mind, this elderly woman was the glue holding the household together. A ludicrous idea given how hap-hazard the household was run. "Let's go have a look at this little problem of Cook's, shall we?" her bright, helpful attitude contrasted by her reluctantly moving her feet toward the kitchen.
Crossing the foyer with less grace than usual, Elsa reached under her jacket and slid the thin strap over her shoulder. It looked like, Georg would just have to wait. "Once we've sorted out the kitchen, promise me, you'll retire for the night," she called out over her shoulder as they turned down the hallway that led to the kitchen. The housekeeper's hours less of a concern than having this woman – or anyone else, for that matter – lurking around downstairs a minute longer than necessary tonight.
Following close behind Baroness Schraeder, Frau Schmidt resisted the urge to point out, she'd have retired long ago, but she wasn't the one who'd called a garden party at such short notice. She bit back a sigh. It had been the same with that grand and glorious party – more like the garish and gaudy party. They'd barely had time to catch their breath after that. The Captain's late wife would never have thrown a high society garden party so soon after an extravagant party, all on top of making changes to the dinner menu. Changes that had poor Cook beside herself learning new dishes with ingredients that were impossible to source. Baroness von Trapp would never have done that. She appreciated the hard work that went on behind the scenes, the work involved in planning and preparing. But this woman…
oOo
"What now?" Brigitta rolled onto her side to face Louisa.
"We go downstairs…" Louisa whispered back; her eyes gleaming with excitement, a smile tugging the corner of her mouth.
"Downstairs…?"
"We've come this far, we need to keep going," Louisa pushed herself to her feet and grabbed her sister's hand. "Come on, while the coast is clear!" Pulling Brigitta up, they padded towards the staircase as quickly and quietly as they could.
Hugging the wall, they stepped softly down the stairs. If Baroness Schraeder made a sudden reappearance, hopefully their white nightgowns would blend into the wall. Pausing at the front door landing, they stopped to scan the foyer. There was nothing, not even a sound. With a nudge of her head, Louisa motioned to Brigitta, and they made their way down the short flight of steps. Louisa pointed at the hallway, which lead to the study. If Liesl and Fraulein Maria were anywhere, that's where they'd be. But first, they had to get past the sitting room.
Padding softly from the foot of the stairs to the doorway of the sitting room, they paused against the wall. With Brigitta behind her, Louisa turned to her sister with a frown. What was that strange sound? It was a soft sound that came and went, then came again, almost keeping perfect time. Peeking slowly around the doorframe, not sure what to expect. She smiled. There he was sitting on the settee with his back to them, his head leaning awkwardly on one shoulder. With her finger to her lips, she turned to Brigitta. "Uncle Max," she mouthed silently. Her sister nodded that she understood.
Tiptoeing, they took one step and then another. Partway across the doorway, there was a cough – more like a choking sound. Freezing, they stopped and looked at each other. Scurrying back behind the doorframe, they pressed against the wall.
Stretching his arms out wide, Max pressed back against the settee. Clearing his throat, he gave his head a little shake. Good Lord, he must have dozed off! Sighing, he looked around, letting out a noisy yawn. Georg had promised to join them for a drink after taking care of some papers, obviously, he still hadn't appeared. He wondered what had become of Elsa. After all, she'd only popped to get more cigarettes. He hated his own company. He decided long ago, he was far more entertaining surrounded by others.
Perhaps it was later than he thought. With another yawn, he glanced at his watch – a gift to himself after a particularly successful Berlin Festival some years ago. Of course, that was before politics took the fun and life out of everything over the border. Frowning at the hands of the watch, he blinked hard a few times, not quite believing it was after eleven. Where had time gone? Pushing himself up from the settee, he stretched his arms again. Not getting any younger…
Having bravely snuck a peek around the doorframe, Louisa quickly pulled back. Uncle Max was on the move! She reached behind her and grabbed Brigitta's hand. With a flick of her head, she motioned toward the chairs in the corner of the foyer beside the staircase. Her sister nodded, and they scurried silently across and dropped behind the armchair closest to the stairs. It wasn't big, not like the armchairs in Father's study, but it would have to do. Crouched tightly, Louisa held a finger up to her lips. If they made themselves small, hopefully Uncle Max wouldn't notice them…
Reaching down to retrieve his empty glass from the table beside the settee, Max turned toward the door. He wondered if Georg was still in the study. He smiled. The return of the little governess certainly had him rattled. He shook his head. Elsa had told him all about his dance with the girl the night of the party. Perhaps he should pay Georg a visit and gently remind him not to do anything silly. Passing the drinks' table in the corner of the room, his fingers wrapped around the neck of the decanter. It would be a shame to leave it behind.
Barely breaking stride, he stepped into the foyer, glass and brandy in hand. Pausing, he looked around.
Not a creature was stirring, not even a church mouse…
Smiling, he glanced to the upper balcony, wondering what had become of Elsa. Had she snuck into the study to join Georg? He chuckled to himself. It wouldn't be the first time she'd tried to sneak past him. Turning toward the study hall, his eyes fell on the doors to the terrace. Ah-ha! They were often open on a summer evening to let the fresh air wind its way through the villa after the heat of the day. Still, it was unusual to find them open at this hour.
Obviously, Georg and Elsa were enjoying some cooler air out on the terrace after this run of warm days. He was their chaperone, so he decided it was only right that he should join them. Making his way toward the open doors, he was looking forward to escaping the stuffiness inside.
oOo
Franz sighed. It was a rare display of annoyance, but the governess had no right to be here. And all indications were, she wasn't going to leave. "I should go and find the Captain," he responded haughtily.
"If we see the Captain, we'll let him know you're looking for him," Maria offered, trying her best to be helpful.
Franz narrowed his eyes at the governess, weighing up his options. "There's no need," he snapped. The last thing he needed was this woman causing trouble, and he certainly didn't need anyone raising the Captain's suspicions. "On second thought, it can wait until the morning," he added abruptly.
Watching as the butler turned to leave, Maria decided she knew no more about Franz than when he'd opened the door of the villa upon her arrival all those weeks ago and introduced himself as the butler. If it hadn't been for Frau Schmidt explaining he'd worked for the von Trapps for more than twenty years, she wouldn't know a thing. His life was as guarded as the thoughts and emotions he kept buried. That recurring thought popped into her head. How could a person go through life wearing the same blank expression…?
As the study door closed behind Franz, Liesl let out a sigh. "I'm so glad that wasn't Baroness Schraeder…"
"Oh, Liesl!" Maria's arm tightened around the girl's waist. Gently pulling her close, she placed a kiss in her hair. "I'm afraid, you'll have to face the Baroness eventually." We both will…
"I know…" Liesl sighed. "Just not tonight."
Maria turned to study Liesl, the dark rings under her red eyes quickly focusing her attention. "I'm sure Baroness Schraeder has retired for the evening," Maria flashed a reassuring smile. "Anyway, let's not worry about that!" She guided Liesl to the sofa. "Now, where were we…" Maria began gently, making sure Liesl was comfortable before taking her hand in both of hers. "Did you speak to your father?"
Liesl nodded. "You were right, Fraulein Maria," she answered in a hushed tone, her scratchy eyes hurting as they widened. "Father isn't planning to send any of us away. He said it's just a horrible misunderstanding…"
"See, I told you," Maria smiled.
"He promised he'd sort it out," Liesl returned Fraulein Maria's smile.
"Oh…?" Maria couldn't help but wonder what that meant.
Liesl nodded. "I'm sure he's speaking to Baroness Schraeder right now, he said he would..."
Maria squeezed Liesl's hand. That must be why Franz couldn't find the Captain. He was talking to the Baroness about the children and their schooling. But as she listened to Liesl recount the conversation with her father, Maria's thoughts were drifting away. She had no reason to doubt the Captain, but one thing troubled her. Would Baroness Schraeder give in so easily…?
oOo
Walking along the hallway, Franz wondered how it had come to this. In the beginning, it had simply been passing on details about telephone calls, the coming and going of visitors to the villa, and, of course, the Captain's movements. For the few extra schilling in his pocket at the end of each week, it hadn't been too much extra work, and it seemed harmless enough. Surely, if he hadn't passed on the information, they would have found other ways. They'd probably station some lad down the road, and he'd heard they could monitor telephone lines back at the exchange these days. Not that he had any idea how that kind of thing worked. If they were going to do it anyway, he reasoned to himself, he might as well make some extra money for his old age. It's not like there was any family to look after him.
He rubbed his brow with the back of his hand, brushing at the early signs of a headache forming above the bridge of his nose. Was it just a coincidence? He didn't believe in coincidences, but he did believe that governess was nothing but one big headache.
He sighed, resigned to the fact that he would have to try again tomorrow. Was it worth the extra schillings they offered? He doubted it. Unfortunately, there was little choice but to go along with their requests. Even though there were more joining the cause every day, he couldn't afford to be outed as a collaborator. At his age and without a home of his own, he couldn't lose his employment. He sighed again. How had he got in so deep? Now, they wanted to know what the Captain was working on and for who.
What was that saying? Something about dancing with the Devil...
Louisa peered around the back of the chair. She couldn't see anyone, but there were footsteps. They were growing louder. Crouching down near Brigitta, she was starting to wonder if this had been such a good idea. They were sure to be seen by someone. She turned to her sister, finger against her lips. They'd just have to sit it out…
Franz emerged from the hallway into the grand foyer, still bathed in bright light. He stood still and glared around. He wondered why no one else could turn the lights off, or – his eyes fell on the open doors to the terrace – lock up for the night. Reaching the doorway to the sitting room, he paused, searching inside. Finding it empty, he turned off the switch inside the doorway.
Walking across the foyer, he came to a stop at the bank of light switches. As he turned off each of the switches with a flick of his wrist, the grand foyer grew darker, until it was plunged into darkness, except for the lamps on two side tables that were kept alight throughout the night. He wasn't bothered if that governess and girl were still in the study, there'd be enough light from the lamps to get them upstairs.
Standing in the silence, his attention shifted to the terrace doors. Walking over to close them, he hesitated, his hand on the door handle. In a moment of madness, he stepped through the doors. Closing his eyes, he breathed in the cool night air.
"Joining me for a drink, Franz?" Max smiled as the butler visibly jumped.
Franz cursed at being caught unaware. "Perhaps another night, Herr Detweiler," he answered in his usual monotone.
"Have you seen Georg?" Max asked, still smiling.
"Not since dinner." Franz wondered what had become of the Captain. No one seemed to have a clue where he was or where he'd been. He sniffed. If he were the Captain and found himself surrounded by these people, he'd have the good sense to leave home and not come back. Especially, with the return of that governess. His jaw tightened. "Good night, Herr Detweiler," breaking the silence, he turned to the Captain's friend and nodded.
"Good night, Franz," Max nodded back with a friendly smile, but wondered why he bothered. The butler might as well have been sleepwalking for all the personality he brought to a conversation.
"Would you mind locking the door on your way in," Franz didn't bother waiting for a response. He doubted whether the Captain's friend could be relied upon with something so simple. Turning away, he walked through the doors, into the grand foyer.
With the deadline for information fast approaching, perhaps he could sneak down in the dead of night. But that was a risky option. Who knows which of those ungrateful children would be wandering around unable to sleep, still hungry or just looking for that governess. And the Captain had a sixth sense. Reaching the front door landing, his eyes fell on the bolt, firmly in place at the back of the door. Thankfully, someone had already locked this one.
Weary legs began the climb to the staff wing. He knew sleep wouldn't come easy tonight. He'd have to come up with another plan, all thanks to that damn governess. Always somewhere she shouldn't be, always doing something she shouldn't. It was a surprise she'd lasted as long as she did. He'd lost count of the times he'd have sent her back to the sisters at the convent.
Why in God's name did she have to return? Surely, she'd punished them enough over summer…
oOo
Walking down the hallway, Elsa huffed under her breath. She was keen to put as much distance as possible between her and the kitchen – and that blasted housekeeper. She had no idea why Frau Schmidt felt the need to interfere. It wasn't the housekeeper's place to point out the supposedly competing requirements of the kitchen, with its small preparation area and tight-knit team of loyal staff being dragged from one priority to the next. That should be left to Cook. Besides, she'd only just arrived from Vienna, so surely, it wasn't her fault if Georg's kitchen couldn't stand up to the rigours of preparing meals for the family while catering for a simple event. Surely, Frau Schmidt was calling into question the competency of the kitchen staff.
Out here in the countryside, she had quickly learned standards weren't as high as they were in Vienna. But what on Earth had Agathe been doing all these years. She was surprised – no shocked – that Georg had put up with such ineptitude for so long. She sighed. She couldn't be to blame if Cook was struggling with the small, but necessary, changes to the dinner menu. But the way Frau Schmidt went on and on, well, she'd been made to feel like a child being reprimanded. Reluctantly, she'd reassured the housekeeper, only pretending to care so she could escape the hot and stuffy kitchen.
Let the woman think she'd had a victory, but this wasn't the end of it. Not by a long shot. She'd put up with the housekeeper for now, but her days at the villa were numbered. It was too late to make changes with the garden party only days away, so they'd just have to plough on as best they could. And she certainly wasn't going to postpone the event. It was far too important that they announce their engagement.
Clicking her tongue, she couldn't wait to see Frau Schmidt's reaction when the entire kitchen staff were replaced next week. Georg had let everyone in his employ get away with far too much for far too long. Surely, Agathe had run a tighter ship…
Smiling at the cleverness of her sailing analogy, she emerged from the hallway into the foyer. The main lights had been turned off while she'd been in the kitchen, so the grand foyer was in darkness except for the side table lamps. Stopping, she took a deep breath, then slowly released the air from her lungs. Now, where was she, before the housekeeper rudely interrupted her? In the distance, her eyes found the gilded frame of the mirror. Even across the foyer, the nearby lamp gave her reflection a soft ethereal glow. That's right, seductive and alluring…
With a little shake of her head, she tried to forget about the kitchen and whatever nonsense Frau Schmidt had been going on about. There were far more important things to take care of tonight. The mood may have been lost for the moment, but the night was still young. She smiled as her feet started moving across the foyer's parquetry floor. Passing the mirror, she glanced at her reflection and nodded approvingly. Still as elegant and glamourous as ever. Just watch Georg try to resist her charms tonight.
She'd been right. He'd forgotten all about that silly nun as soon as she'd taken off in the middle of the night. But they couldn't afford any relapses. Not tonight. Not ever. If Georg tried to evade her with his usual tricks and excuses, she'd be ready for them. It was important to stake her claim.
And with the nun under the same roof, what greater triumph could there be?
Tonight, she wouldn't rest until Georg was hers. Truly hers…
Leaving the grand foyer, she turned defiantly down the hallway, slipping her arms effortlessly out of the bolero jacket. Standing outside the study, jacket draped playfully over a forearm, she stared at the door. Sliding a thin strap off one shoulder, she reminded herself, defiance and determination wouldn't win the day – or Georg. A few seconds passed while she transformed into the sultry, enchanting goddess everyone knew her to be. Let him be under no illusion – tonight she meant business! Taking a deep breath, her hand reached for the door handle, resting for a moment. Let the seduction begin! She paused to compose herself. One last, deep breath through luscious, red lips while lashes fluttered, with the most perfect heavy-lidded sensuality.
Enchanting, fascinating, seductive…
Reminding herself to turn the handle slowly, so as not to make a sound, she pushed open the door, and slipped inside…
oOo
Approaching the hallway to the children's wing, his steps slowed. He had half a mind to check on Friedrich and Kurt, after all, they'd probably found something else to argue about. It was past eleven – far too late for the children to still be awake. Too late for anyone. It had been a big day for them all. He shook his head, still wondering if it were all a dream. Well, all a dream, except for the unfortunate matter of his engagement to Elsa. Still, if Maria's return was a dream, he never wanted to wake up.
Maria…
He smiled at the mere thought of her. Honestly, thinking about her was all he'd been doing. It was as if everyone's birthday, Christmas and New Year had landed on the same day. They'd all been so overjoyed at Maria's return. And there was the relief. It was impossible to describe. The best he could come up with was catching sight of a distant shoreline as its outline appeared through a thick fog after a gruelling voyage at sea. Finally, he could see an end, picture his destination. He just had to navigate his way through a rocky reef, or two. Anyway, he didn't care what brought her back, the most important thing was that she was here at all.
He cleared his throat, chasing away the ridiculous grin that had replaced the scowl of the past days. Eyes darting around, relieved to find the villa had fallen silent, he didn't need anyone wondering why he looked like a total fool. Reaching out, his fingers tapped the rail of the upper balcony in time to his steps as he slowed, turning his head to search the hallway of the children's wing. It was dimly lit, with a single lamp placed on a side table halfway down. A permanent fixture throughout the night, just in case of a bad dream or a thirst that couldn't wait until morning, or a rumbling stomach, or one of the many excuses the children dreamt up.
Without realising, his feet had stopped, his ears straining for any sound. Any sound of her. His thumb silently drummed the rail. So many times, he'd stood here listening to the faint strains of a lullaby as she coaxed one or more to sleep, or the notes of her laughter trailing above the children, or the words of a nursery rhyme drifting through an open door. At this late hour, there wasn't any of that. He frowned. The only sound was the blood pounding in his ears.
His fingers flexed against the leg of his trousers. The trousers to the suit he'd just changed into. Perhaps he should have just changed his shirt and tie, and slipped on his velvet smoking jacket. But it was too warm tonight and it wasn't like he smoked these days. Strange how a habit of half a lifetime now left a bad taste in your mouth. That was something he wouldn't miss – the acrid smoke curling from Elsa's cigarettes and the stale smell of the ashtray.
With no sign of movement from the children's wing, he turned away, realising he was wasting his time. But that was the point, wasn't it? Trying to delay the inevitable. It was time to face what he should have done days, probably weeks or months ago. It was time to speak to Elsa, time to start fixing the mess he'd made of everything.
Forcing one foot in front of the other, he continued around the upper balcony to the head of the stairs. The grand foyer below was dark, except for the lamps. That was a good sign. Franz had locked up and retired for the night, which meant all the other staff had too. That left only Max and Elsa downstairs.
He'd give Max a subtle cue to leave. Hopefully, if he hadn't had too much to drink, he might pick up on it. Then he'd have a chat with Elsa in the study. He hated tears, hated words said in the heat of the moment. He sighed, trying to shake away those thoughts with a flex of his fingers.
oOo
Elsa couldn't be certain, but she'd look back later and tell herself, if she did show any surprise at finding the governess and Georg's eldest daughter in the study at this hour, she hid it well. Still, shock might have described her reaction more accurately than surprise. Either way, this wasn't what she was expecting.
The nun and the eldest girl were deep in conversation on the sofa, their heads close. With backs to the door, they were unaware of her presence. Her eyes did a quick lap of the room. Georg was nowhere to be found. No doubt, they were talking about her. Well, she was used to people talking about her. Not to be deterred, she tossed her head back and forced one of her most brilliant smiles.
"Fraulein Maria!" she called out across the room.
"Baroness Schraeder…?!" Maria and Liesl exclaimed as one. Jumping up from the sofa, they turned to face the door.
Maria's eyes widened as she took in the Baroness in her figure-hugging red dress. Her arm reached out and found Liesl's waist – a move that was as much protective as it was encouraging.
"I wasn't expecting to find you here," still wearing her brilliant smile, Elsa tried to gain control of the situation. "You either, Liesl," she closed the door behind her with a click of the latch that sounded unusually loud in the deafening silence. Expecting some kind of explanation, but none forthcoming, she glided partway across the room, stopping beside the desk. "I was sure you'd be in bed at this hour," she added, her eyes landing on Liesl, as she noted the girl's dress was creased and her hair an un-Godly mess.
Feeling Fraulein Maria pull her closer, Liesl felt bold enough to offer the Baroness a small smile. She had no idea how her governess always managed to be so brave, especially with Baroness Schraeder closing in like a cat sizing up its prey. Father would have spoken to her by now, so she hoped there wasn't going to be any trouble.
Elsa looked from one pair of blue eyes to the other, ignoring the less than enthusiastic response that greeted her. Where the Hell was Georg?
"The Captain's not here…" Maria cringed at stating the obvious, not for the first time tonight.
Elsa wondered how the nun had read her mind. It was a little unnerving. "Mmmm… I can see that," Elsa's words had an edge, but were delivered with a glittering smile.
"I haven't seen the Captain for hours," Maria offered, "have you, Liesl?"
Liesl didn't answer. She couldn't be certain, but it felt like hours since she'd spoken to Father. Determined not to wilt under Baroness Schraeder's glare, she forced her eyes not to falter, which was much easier with Fraulein Maria beside her.
"I thought you'd be upstairs at this hour, Liesl," Elsa took a step closer, noting Liesl's puffy face and red eyes. She'd obviously been crying to the governess about finishing school. Of course, that wouldn't change anything. "And you too, Fraulein Maria," she added with all the brightness she could muster, "especially after your big day."
"We probably should be," Maria smiled, but didn't move. "Perhaps the Captain's in the sitting room," she added, trying to be helpful.
Elsa's eyes narrowed. Had the governess just tried to dismiss her? She shouldn't be surprised, the girl never did know her place. Well, she was about to learn who she was dealing with. "What makes you think I was looking for the Captain?"
"Oh, I just assumed…" Maria answered without blinking.
oOo
Taking the steps down to the front door landing, he wondered if he should check on Liesl. His heart clenched at the image of her asleep on the sofa, exhausted from the tears and emotion. He realised now, he should have carried her up to bed rather than leaving her. Obviously, asking Elsa to join him in the study was out of the question...
Behind the armchair, Louisa and Brigitta tried to make themselves as small as possible. They'd panicked when Father's familiar steps first arrived at the top of the stairs, and now they were growing more fearful with every step down the flight of stairs. Thankfully, Franz had turned the lights off, so they had the cover of darkness on their side. If only their breathing wasn't so loud…
Pausing at the front door, his eyes fell on the terrace doors at the opposite end of the foyer. Elsa and Max must have shifted from the sitting room to enjoy the coolness of the evening air out on the terrace. He decided that was a good thing. His conversation with Liesl made him only too aware how easy it was to overhear what was being said in the sitting room.
His fingers curled into a tight fist. He still couldn't believe Elsa had spoken to Maria the night of the party. She must have been the last person, before Maria abruptly left. After finding them dancing in the courtyard, Elsa may have had good reason. But she'd never mentioned speaking to her. Not after Maria had disappeared, not when the children were distraught, not even after all their tears. Still, he'd let things go too far. He should have spoken to Elsa weeks ago. He'd like to think he would have, if she hadn't ambushed him with that ridiculous party. The children had been so excited, and he'd been so desperate not to disappoint them after four years of nothing but disappointment. It felt like there was no choice but to get swept up in Elsa's plans.
Stepping down the short flight of stairs, he'd suggest they go for a walk along the lake. It was a balmy evening, and on a clear night, the reflection of the moon off the lake with the white peaks of the Alps in the distance were always calming. He flexed his fingers as he strode across the foyer, part of him wondering how receptive Elsa would be to a stroll along the lake. She rarely strolled outside during the day, but at this hour, she couldn't complain about the sun on her complexion.
He cringed at his bitterness. No matter what Elsa might have said to Maria, or how big a part she may have played in all of this, he did owe her something. It was true, she had saved him. Without her charm, wit and patience, who knows where he'd be now. But a marriage needed to be built on more than gratitude and a sense of obligation. Filling his lungs, he slowly exhaled. Time to put the world right…
Approaching the terrace doors, he took a few deep breaths to steady and focus his mind. It was quiet. Eerily quiet. Perhaps Max had retired for the evening. He had been hitting the red wine hard at dinner.
Walking through the doors, he stopped and turned his head to the chairs around the table.
"Still drinking, Max?"
"Georg!" Max looked up from where he was sitting. "I thought everyone had gone to bed."
"Hmph…" Georg huffed, disappointed not to find Elsa sitting at the table. He had to speak to her tonight rather than wait until the morning. Walking over to the table, he picked up an empty tumbler. With the glass in one hand and decanter in the other, he paused. "Elsa get tired of your charming personality and scintillating conversation?"
Max shot a smile over the top of his glass. "She's upstairs…"
Having filled the glass with a little more brandy than he should, Georg placed the decanter on the table. "Retired for the evening?" He hoped not.
Max shook his head. "Cigarettes," he answered simply.
"Argh…" Georg turned his back on Max and strolled over to the balustrade. Staring out at the moonlight highlighting the white cap of the Untersberg, his eyes followed the moon's reflection down across the lake. It was a still evening, with very little breeze, so there were barely any ripples disturbing the surface of the water. He took a mouthful of brandy feeling its burn, contemplating his next move.
Remember, just a few rocky reefs to negotiate…
oOo
"Actually, Fraulein Maria," Elsa smiled, maintaining her pleasant demeanour, "I would like a word with you."
"Oh…?" Maria responded dumbly. She didn't look away from the Baroness, but she could feel Liesl turn towards her. "Liesl, the Baroness is right, it's far too late," she turned to the girl with a smile. "Why don't you go upstairs to bed?"
"But…" Liesl began.
"No buts," Maria reached up and brushed her cheek, still puffy from the evening's upset.
"Will you …" Liesl frowned.
"Of course, I will," Maria nodded, cutting off the girl's obvious question. "I'll be up shortly."
A moment or two passed before Liesl moved, finally convinced that it would be safe to leave Fraulein Maria alone in the study with Baroness Schraeder. Or perhaps she was just resigned to the fact that she had no choice. Standing on her tiptoes, she placed a kiss on Fraulein Maria's cheek. "We're all so excited to have you back," she added pointedly.
"Thank you, Liesl," Maria ran a hand up and down her forearm affectionately.
Liesl turned and looked at Baroness Schraeder, who gave her a smile. It was one of her typical smiles, which according to Louisa, were all fake. Whatever it was, at least the Baroness was being polite after the turn they pulled at dinner. Pinning back her shoulders, she walked toward the elegant woman. "Good night, Baroness Schraeder," she forced a smile, hating herself for being just as fake. If she were as brave as Louisa, she would have scowled. Sometimes, she wished she could be more like her sister.
"Good night, Liesl," Elsa nodded, but the girl didn't stop, she just walked past, head in the air. "Liesl…?" she called out, waiting a second or two for the girl to stop and turn. "I know you're going to love finishing school," no smile from the girl this time, just a blank look. "I know I did," she continued brightly. "You'll make lifelong friends too, I promise."
Liesl looked blankly at Baroness Schraeder. She seemed to have no idea she wouldn't be going to finishing school, or that her brothers and sisters weren't being sent away to boarding school. They'd be going to their old schools in Salzburg. Obviously, Father hadn't spoken to her. Surely, there had been plenty of time. Tightening her fingers into a ball, she could feel the nagging doubts creeping in. Can you rely on Father – really rely on him – to keep his word? "Thank you, Baroness," she answered politely. Father's changed, he won't break his promise. Biting her lip, she held back the doubts and tears. With one final look to Fraulein Maria, who gave her an encouraging nod, she turned and made her way out of the study.
As the latch clicked behind Liesl, Maria turned her attention from the back of the study door to Baroness Schraeder. The woman in the tight red dress was standing behind the low back of the sofa, long fingers with French manicured nails resting on the soft, dark leather. Maria's feet hadn't moved. She was still standing on the rug between the black hearth of the fireplace and the sofa. Despite what Liesl had told her, it was obvious the Captain hadn't spoken to Baroness Schraeder.
Neither woman said a word, neither moved. After what seemed an eternity, the Baroness dropped her head a little to the side. A challenge perhaps. Maria pushed her shoulders back. It no longer mattered whether the Captain told her to pack her bags and leave immediately. This wasn't about her. Now, it was only about the children. She took a deep breath and pushed out her chin.
Challenge accepted…
oOo
Liesl's heart was racing even before the study door closed behind her. She had to find Father, she had to tell him Fraulein Maria was in the study with Baroness Schraeder. This was all her fault. If Fraulein Maria hadn't come looking for her, they'd never have been there. They'd never have got caught up with Baroness Schraeder. Why didn't she listen to Fraulein Maria? She should have gone to bed and waited until morning before speaking to Father…
Where was Father?
Her feet were moving as fast as her mind, and she was at the end of the hallway before she realised. Standing in the darkened foyer, she wondered if Fraulein Maria, Baroness Schraeder and her were the only ones still awake. She looked up at the balcony, praying someone might appear.
Where was Father?
Starting to panic, she felt like calling out to him, but she'd wake everyone. Not just him. She told herself not to cry. This was her mess and she had to fix it, but how…
"Liesl…?!"
She couldn't be sure, but Liesl turned toward the stairs with a frown. She wondered if she'd imagined hearing her name. It had been a whisper, a strange kind of hiss.
"Liesl!"
There it was again. Walking across the foyer, she wished her eyes would hurry up and get used to the dark. But that was her own fault, too. If her eyes weren't so puffy and scratchy from all her crying, she might be able to see more than a few yards in front of her. Partway across the foyer, two figures in white were rushing toward her.
"Louisa…? Brigitta…?" she called out.
"Sshhh…" Louisa hissed. Reaching her sister, she pulled her into a tight hug. "We didn't know what happened to you, we thought…" she whispered against Liesl's hair. She didn't want to say out loud what they thought.
"I'm fine," Liesl pulled out of Louisa's embrace.
"Where have you been?" Brigitta asked.
"There isn't time for that," Liesl quickly explained, wondering why she was also whispering when there was no one else around. "Have you seen…"
"Liesl, Louisa, Brigitta!"
Three heads snapped around in the direction of their names, to find the ample frame of Frau Schmidt standing in the hallway to the kitchen.
In no mood for games, Frau Schmidt was striding across to the girls, hands on hips. "What in Heaven's name are you children doing up at this hour?"
"Frau Schmidt, have you seen Father?" Liesl asked.
"Father…?" Louisa turned to Liesl.
Frau Schmidt huffed. "If your father has any good sense, he's tucked up in bed, just like you three should be."
"Are you looking for…" Louisa was still frowning at Liesl.
"Now come on, girls," the housekeeper clapped her hands. "I don't have time for any of your games, and you don't either… it's late!"
"But…"
"No buts, Liesl," Frau Schmidt ushered the children along, toward the foot of the stairs. "I've had more than enough for one day…" her head was still hurting from her conversation with Baroness Schraeder.
"But we need…"
"Liesl, you know I don't like repeating myself," Frau Schmidt's voice was taking on a firmer edge. "It's off to bed. Now!"
The three girls nodded glumly. Turning, they slowly made their way upstairs.
"And don't try anything," Frau Schmidt called out. "I'll be up shortly to check on you."
Liesl's shoulders dropped, she felt sick...
oOo
Thank you everyone for reading. Apologies again for the long delay in updating.
I don't own TSOM, just having a little lend!
"Immerse your soul in love"