I'm calling out your name
(Calling out your name)

Georg turned to Elsa and smiled. Another of her dry comments had drawn a chorus of laughter from everyone around the table. She really was beautiful. In that classic kind of way. Everything she did was truly graceful, perfectly elegant. Every movement, every mannerism as deliberate and considered as the last. The next, just as well planned and predictable. He watched on as she graciously acknowledged her friends' response with a nod. A knowing smile crossing her lips before she paused to take a measured sip from her flute of champagne.

Giving her a nod, without a doubt, her wicked humour and endless charm were part of the attraction. It was her sharp wit that had caught his attention in the beginning. Back then, he hadn't been looking to replace Agathe. In fact, he hadn't even been looking. The idea of being able to replace the love of his life was ridiculous. Attempting to find someone to take her place, absurd. Well, it had been. Now, he was wondering if it was possible.

He forced a smile as one of Elsa's friends offered a comment, more insight, into the hapless affairs of a couple he couldn't quite remember but was certain he'd met somewhere along the way. He'd been trying to place them, but had given up some time ago, convincing himself the discussion couldn't go on much longer. Surely, there couldn't be much left in this poor couple's lives to churn through, he thought as he glanced sideways at Elsa.

He'd fallen into such a comfortable arrangement with her. More than friends, not yet lovers. Still, it suited them both. For a long time, he'd imagined that friendship was all he could ever really offer. He knew Elsa wanted, no expected, more. Was it possible to make that leap without giving up his heart? For a long time, he'd thought so. Now, it didn't seem that straightforward.

It really was high time he gave some serious thought to making things official. He owed her so much, perhaps it was time to repay her, to stop treating her so unfairly. Elsa, the toast of the social scene, the hostess of the grandest parties. Him…? Well, these days, he still wasn't sure what his role in this world was. Over the years, a distinguished naval career was forced from him, making way for the devoted husband, doting father. He'd expected to grow old in a role he'd immersed himself in and had grown to relish. How wrong he'd been.

After some time, the distraught widower, barely surviving from one dark day to the next, eventually found his feet as the charming chaperone. All thanks to Elsa. It wasn't how he'd imagined himself. He often wondered if there wasn't more to life. Surely there was…

Reminding himself that he really did have so much to thank her for, he reached for Elsa's hand and gave it an affectionate squeeze. At his touch, she turned her attention to him. It was wonderful to see her back in her element, radiating confidence and charm. Captivating and alluring.

"Elsa, I'll go take care of that business," he spoke in a soft voice, leaning towards her, the conversation continuing around them. Still holding her hand, Georg gave it a squeeze as he saw the flash of disappointment in her eyes. It was gone almost as quickly as it arrived. "I won't be long," he added with a smile.

"Oh, Ge-org, do you have to?" Elsa protested, her voice low and sultry. On any other man, it would have its desired impact, ensuring he'd be spending the rest of the day at her side, and probably much of the night. But then, Georg wasn't any other man. "Are you sure it can't wait…?" she added, looking up at him through her long lashes.

"I'll be back before you've even missed me," he smiled as he folded his linen napkin and placed it on the table beside his barely-eaten dessert. "I promise…" he gave her a wink as he stood. Excusing himself as all the attention around the table turned to him, he assured everyone that he wouldn't be gone long, just a small matter to attend to. As he made his way between the other tables, there was another wave of laughter from their table in the corner. It drifted into the background as he neared the doorway.

Stepping out onto the street, Georg straightened his hat against the warm sun. As much as he loved seeing Elsa holding court with her friends again, it was a relief to escape for a short while. It's not as if these documents couldn't wait. It was the end of the week, so nothing was going to happen over the weekend. But he was a creature of habit. His inclination for meticulous planning and preparation, as compulsive these days as it ever had been. Perhaps more so given the times they were facing.

Besides, he didn't feel guilty. Lunch would roll into afternoon tea and later, that evening, a light dinner would be followed by an evening at the theatre. By the end of the night, no one would even remember he was absent for a short while. Least of all, Elsa.

Thankful for the fresh air, Georg started the short walk across the old city centre towards the bank. A few signatures were all they needed, so it shouldn't take long at all. Before even realising, his pace had slowed to little more than a stroll. Despite the warmth of the summer sun, there was a fresh breeze blowing gently down from the Alps, making him realise just how stuffy it had been in the restaurant. And it was something of a relief being away from the constant chatter and tittering of Elsa's friends. He'd been patient and attentive, but a man can only take so much. After spending the better part of three days with them, they were starting to wear a little thin.

His thoughts drifted back to the villa as he wondered how his children were spending their afternoon. Smiling to himself, he tried to picture them marching about the grounds, breathing deeply. Despite his explicit instructions, he questioned how often they'd actually been followed after he left for Vienna. And what of their governess? He wondered what she might be…

"Good afternoon, Captain!"

Georg was suddenly torn away from his thoughts by a familiar face coming towards him. Nodding and forcing a smile, he cursed inwardly at the interruption. He'd rather enjoyed being left alone with his own thoughts, but the large man who was now coming to a stop in front of him was already thrusting out his hand.

"For God's sake, Hans, how often do I have to tell you?" Georg took his hand and shook it firmly. "Do away with the title, man,"

"Old habits, Georg, old habits…" his friend replied jovially.

"It's been a while, far too long," Georg smiled. "What's been keeping you busy these days?"

"We've just returned from Genoa," Hans explained. "Only arrived back last week, in fact."

"Beautiful part of the world, one of my favourite towns," Georg noted. "There long?"

"For most of the winter," Hans nodded. "Anna finally convinced me we'd seen enough Austrian winters."

"Winter? Hans, I hate to point out the obvious, but it's now summer…" Georg began, but he suddenly lost his train of thought as his attention was caught by something further down the street. His breath caught in this throat. What in God's name…? Surely, it wasn't. He must be mistaken... After all, it can't have been more than a fleeting glimpse. There for a moment, then gone. It couldn't be… His eyes narrowed, desperately searching for something no longer there.

"We loved it so much, we extended our stay," Hans explained with a shrug.

"Ah, I see…" Georg looked back at his friend, flashing a smile before his eyes continued scanning the street, certain he hadn't been mistaken. But it was impossible. Perhaps he'd finally gone mad… Once again, seeing things that weren't there. Surely it couldn't be her. But what if it was…

"We should have done it sooner," Hans continued, not noticing Georg's eyes searching the other side of the street, concentrating on the laneway half a block away. "You know, I think we've found the perfect place to sit out the European winters…"

Georg was only half listening to his friend who was now explaining something about the piazza or a palazzo. Something. His eyes darted further down the street. Had he missed her? Had she reappeared only to be lost amongst the shoppers and passers-by? But he couldn't see her. And at this time of the day, there weren't that many people on the street. He wouldn't have lost her amongst them.

"Yes… a wonderful museum, the Palazzo Reale…" Georg agreed, his eyes back down the street, still waiting for her to reappear. It had been too long. Was she still in the laneway? Walking away from him? It was madness, but he had to find her. He couldn't lose her…

He heard Hans laugh, and quickly glanced back to his friend, following with a laugh of his own. He was being ridiculous. Did he actually believe that had really been her? It was impossible. For God's sake, his mind was playing tricks again. Perhaps he'd had too much wine over lunch. But he knew he hadn't had enough. Not enough for his mind to start imagining things on the street.

He had to find out. God, he had to find her…

"I'm so sorry, Hans, but I really must keep moving," Georg interrupted, extending a hand towards his friend. "A meeting… can't be late…" he offered with a shrug.

"Of course, Georg," Hans took his hand, shaking it energetically.

"We must catch up properly," Georg told his friend. "I'll arrange an invitation for you and your lovely wife," he promised, his feet already moving. "Give my best to Anna!" he called out over his shoulder as he quickened his pace.

Avoiding the few pedestrians out enjoying a lazy afternoon stroll amongst the shops, he walked a short distance down the footpath before crossing the street. Increasing the length of his strides, he neared the laneway. He could feel his pulse quicken. God, this was ridiculous. Turning right, he took a few steps over the lane's worn cobblestones.

He stopped. Looking. Searching. He could barely think above the sound of the blood pounding in his ears. Oh God, there she was! An undeniable force masquerading as some kind of whimsical, carefree spirit, sent to tease and torment him, completely unaware of her hold over him. It only encouraged him all the more. But at the same time, in the same breath, as she drew him to her, something was daring him to keep his distance.

He should turn around. Walking away would be the sensible thing. But God knows he couldn't. He was drawn to her and her pull was just too great. It was overwhelming, irresistible, utterly impossible to ignore. And here she was once again, reeling him in. Just like when he'd last seen her…

Can you hear me calling
Out your name?

His heart was racing now. He was sure he hadn't imagined her. He had before. His head would turn on a familiar laugh, or a hint of that unmistakable scent in the air. He'd turn, disappointed, realising that his mind was playing tricks on him again. God, what was wrong with him? He'd never expected something like this. Not again. He'd just assumed all of this was behind him. A thing of the past. Obviously not…

He still hadn't moved. He could barely breathe, he was sure he hadn't blinked, fearful she might disappear again. Frozen to the spot, he smiled to himself. She was here, and now, so was he. Even as she was walking slowly along the lane away from him, he could tell she was lost in her own little world. It was obvious how happy she was. He smiled at the thought. But then, she usually was. He half expected her to break into a skip, or twirl in a circle, arms wide, throwing her head back smiling, then laughing, as some amusing thought took hold.

He watched as she stopped to gaze in one of the shop windows, then turn and glide down the laneway a short distance until her attention was drawn by something else in the next window.

But what was she doing here in the middle of the afternoon? Window shopping? Georg's thoughts drifted back to the morning. She'd been with the children, in the school room, leaning over Kurt explaining long division. It was her laughter that had caught his attention. It always did. He'd been at the top of the stairs, on his way to join Elsa and Max in the drawing room. He'd been lured back by her laughter and voice drifting along the hallway. He couldn't resist. Promising himself that he'd stop for just a moment, he'd only intended to steal a look.

Since Elsa's friends had arrived from Vienna earlier in the week, most of his days and evenings had been spent in Salzburg, where their visitors were staying, at Elsa's insistence. It had only been three days, but already he'd found himself missing his new routine. Spending time with his children, mending what had become so horribly broken. Learning more about them during their nightly meetings after the children were in bed. He missed his children. God, he missed her.

This morning, he'd convinced himself that he was simply checking on his children, watching them take their lessons. There was no harm in that, surely it was a good thing. She'd had her back to him, laughing at Kurt's antics, unaware he was there, behind her, leaning against the doorway. For a moment, he just watched on. But then she turned, slowly, almost as if she knew he was there. Their eyes met for a short, breathtaking moment, everything stopping. The world suddenly, wonderfully suspended. She'd caught him. He didn't care. She'd blushed. He'd smiled awkwardly. Then realising that if the children saw him, escaping would be impossible, he held a finger to his lips. His heart had leapt against his chest as she'd thrown one of her wide smiles, nodding her agreement. His adorable co-conspirator…

You know that I'm falling
And I don't know what to say

The children! Where in God's name were his children? Surely they weren't too far away. But as his eyes darted around, scanning the laneway, he couldn't see them. Despite his earlier misgivings, he'd quickly learned that this Fraulein protected his children fearlessly. His eyes quickly found her again. She didn't seem hurried or concerned. On the contrary, she seemed to have all the time in the world, as if window shopping in the middle of the afternoon was the most natural way for her to be spending her time. God, she always made things seem effortless, so unaffected.

He wasn't worried. He knew the children would be somewhere safe. But he was curious. Despite wondering where his children were, he was far more intrigued by their governess. What was she doing? He smiled as he brought a hand up to rub his jawline. How very much like this woman to be somewhere she wasn't supposed to be.

Pushing back the sleeve of his black suit to reveal his wristwatch, he smiled. Still time before the bank manager was expecting him. She'd been standing in front of the same window for some time now. Glancing around at the shops, realising where they were, he smiled at the thought of her wearing the glamourous dresses and expensive jewellery from the exclusive boutiques and stores found along here.

He flexed the fingers on his left hand at the thought of Maria wearing one of those gowns to the opera, a recital, perhaps even a ball. He glanced down at his arm. He could almost feel her gloved hand holding onto him, her eyes bright with excitement, cheeks flushed. Her enthusiasm infectious, as she chatted constantly at the wonder of seeing things for the first time.

But he was suddenly gripped by sadness. He wished she could do more than just stare into the shops and dream. He recalled the grey dress she'd arrived in. Such a contrast to the beautiful gowns she was now surrounded by. When she became a nun, Maria would never get the chance to experience any of that, let alone look through the glass window of a shop and imagine another world. It seemed like a crime to cage her. Denying her ever hearing the beautiful strains of an orchestra, or the exhilaration of an opera, or being waltzed to Strauss or Mozart. The only thing that gave him comfort was knowing that she would never share those experiences with another man. He tightened his fist at the mere thought of Maria and another man. Dear God, jealous of faceless men?

Clearing his throat, his fingers now drumming against his thigh, he needed to find out what Maria was doing. Well, he had every right, he reasoned with himself as he squared his shoulders. She was his governess, he reminded himself, his breath catching as he realised. He'd just been thinking of her as Maria. What the hell was happening to him in this damn laneway? She was a postulant. She was his governess, he told himself more firmly. And his children were nowhere to be seen. Realising that he couldn't just stand on the street staring at her, he forced his feet to start moving…

I'll speak a little louder
I'll even shout
You know that I'm proud
And I can't get the words out

He was only a short distance from her when he realised his hand was still balled in a fist. Flexing his fingers, only several shops separated them. He smiled as she let out a gasp. As her hand flew up to cover her mouth, every sensible thought suddenly deserting him. Oh God, she was adorable! She was so caught up in whatever was in the shop window, and it was such a relief just to look at her. He didn't need to worry that someone might notice his lingering gaze, a look that lasted far longer than necessary or appropriate.

Oh I...
I want to be with you everywhere
Oh I...
I want to be with you everywhere
(Wanna be with you everywhere)

He slowed his pace, just wanting to soak in how gorgeous she was. She was naturally beautiful, refreshing in every way. There was something about her. He found himself just wanting to look at her, to be with her. He wanted to hear her voice, make her laugh. Brush away the lock of hair that the cool mountain breeze had blown out of place. God, it was ridiculous. He was utterly captivated, fascinated by everything about her. And he had no idea how to stop himself. He wasn't even sure he wanted to…

He was only a shop away now and it suddenly struck him that he hadn't thought of anything to say. He had to come up with something sensible. His mouth was dry. For God's sake, think of something man! Before anything came to mind, before he had a chance to mask his look, she turned towards him. Oh God, he'd been caught…

Something's happening
Happening to me

The confused look on her face was quickly flooded with an adorable blush. "Captain?!" she gasped as a hand flew to her chest.

"What on Earth are you doing, Fraulein?" Georg asked, hoping he didn't sound too stern as he tried desperately, probably unsuccessfully, to appear unaffected. He held her gaze, forcing his eyes not to follow the hand clutching her chest.

"Captain... you frightened me!" Oh, why did he always catch her doing the wrong thing? Being somewhere she wasn't supposed to be? "I... I can explain..."

"I must say… this is a surprise…" Georg arched a brow at her. A very nice surprise, he thought to himself. "Out shopping…?"

"Yes…" Maria answered, then saw his frown. "I mean, no…" she blushed again, quickly realising that she wasn't making any sense.

"Well, which is it, Fraulein?" Georg asked, barely able to conceal his amusement.

"I was just taking a quick look…" trying to explain, she turned back to the shop window, as if she might find a sensible answer in there. "I was just looking…" she said helplessly, wishing that the Captain wasn't looking at her quite so intently. Didn't he realise she couldn't think, could barely breathe when he looked at her that way?

"I see…" he followed her eyes to the dressmaker's mannequins in the window, some dressed for a night at the theatre or a grand ball, others draped in yards of flowing fabric. "Fraulein," he turned back to her, tugging at his ear, "where are the children?"

"The children…?" she echoed as she tore her eyes away from the safety of the shop window back towards him.

He smiled to himself. God, she really was beautiful. "The children…" he cocked his head to the side.

"Oh! Of course, the children…" she blushed again…

Well, this isn't the story I'd originally been planning. For that, I need to get my head back into the beginning. This is just a little idea I had, part of an attempt to take me there. So, please humour me and my little bit of silliness! It was supposed to be a one shot, but as you know, I struggle to keep things concise… there will be a few more chapters.

The lyrics woven through the story are from the wonderful song "Everywhere" by Fleetwood Mac from their 1987 album "Tango In The Night". The lyrics were written by Christine McVie, and beautifully describe that silly thrill, the sheer panic and pure joy when you start falling for someone.

I still don't own TSOM, back having a lend for a short moment.

"Immerse your soul in love"