'My dear, you could do so much worse in having Elsa as your ticket to high society' exclaimed Max.
Maria informed him that she didn't want to be in high society.
'Connections are everything. You never know when you will need them. But even so, staying with her has its benefits. She will show you many things, take you on many trips. You will be wealthy in friendship. One of the most important things in life. Besides, I would adore it if you stayed. You are just the person I need for this job. You sewed my latest design from curtains for heavens sake. What can I do to keep you?' He pleaded.
'I'm not sure. I have to think about it' said Maria hesitantly.
'You will flourish if you stay here with me. And with Elsa. She doesn't need to be surrounded by more society madams. She needs someone as artless as you. It does her good, lightens her mood.'
Maria didn't know what that meant. But she did like the idea of making the Baroness feel good.
'She's very appealing. She makes me dizzy' she confessed.
Max looked delighted.
'I don't know what to do.'
'That's a good sign, I can tell you. Go back to her. She has taken to you and it's been a long time since she's met someone new. I think the two of you could become great friends. Don't wait too long to make a decision' he cautioned her. He wanted Maria to keep hold of that feeling that she was never going to get if she were stuck at the convent. He was surprised at the attraction between such unlikely people but then he reasoned that as long as the feelings were there, it should make sense.
This time Maria went back to the dark room. She couldn't keep the Baroness waiting.
'I didn't mean to be rude, I need more time than this to think on such a big decision. I realise that we've just talked about time but I…'
The images of Elsa were lined up in a neat row and Maria wondered how it was that her thoughts were so disordered.
'I won't rush you. I understand you were due to go back to take your vows. Maybe you need more time to decide if you will do so, free of any considerations for now. I will leave my details with Max and I hope to hear from you.'
She laid a light finger on the other woman's cheek and left. Maria felt as though her face was burning.
