Disclaimer= I own nothing

Here's chapter 2

Planning, Conversations and Discovered Feelings

"Children, please come down stairs!" Georg called up to his children who were wrapping up their lessons with Maria in the nursery. In a few minutes they were all gathered, seated on the couch and in chairs in the living room. Having talked to Georg briefly before the children's lessons Maria knew he was about to announce their engagement. Maria didn't know whether she should be sit down with the children or stand by Georg. Maria decided to stand behind Leisl's chair which was near Georg. "Children, as you know the Baroness has left. I couldn't marry her. There is someone else I would like to marry." Georg held up his hand to silence the questions and continued once it was silent again, "With you permission I would like to marry Maria." Georg said shooting her a glance.

"Oh yes father!"

"YES!"

"Yay Maria is going to be our new mother!"

The children were so happy, Maria was very thankful for their support. Looking at all their happy smiling faces she knew she had made the right choice; accepting Georg's proposal.

After lunch Maria, Georg and the girls were huddled around the table looking at different flowers, decorations and color pallets while the boys were being sized for suits. Once the boys were done the girls with the exception of Maria went to get sized for dresses. After the seamstress was done with the girls she showed Maria some dress designs. Maria picked a very conservative design with a long train. Before the seamstress left Maria made an appointment for her and the children to come in for a fitting. Maria greatly depended on Georg when making choices about the wedding because she knew nothing about weddings.

As the day progressed Georg could tell Maria was getting overwhelmed and flustered. There was about an hour or so until dinner so Georg told the children to go run around outside for a while. Georg took Maria to his study for a chat. He wanted her to feel like she could be open and honest with him and he wanted just to talk with her. "Maria how are doing?" Georg asked with concern. Maria noticed he used her first name but didn't know what to make of it. "Well I'm a little lost to be honest. First I don't know anything about planning a wedding, I have never even attended a wedding myself and now I'm trying to plan my own." Maria told Georg honestly. Georg sat beside Maria and took her hand. Maria flinched and pulled her hand away as she felt a strange sensation she had never felt before; slowly and cautiously she returned it to its place on Georg's. "Captain I'm sorry I have no experience with romance I don't know how to act or what to do or anything." Maria said looking at her lap. "Maria its ok I know this is all new to you. First I would like it if you would call me by my name rather than my title." Georg started. Maria nodded, "Ok Ca—Georg." Sensing Georg had more to say Maria looked expectantly at him. "I want you to know that I will never do anything that you don't feel comfortable with. We will take this relationship as slow as you want. I don't want to rush you or make you feel uncomfortable in any way. When you are ready I will guide you through every step of this relationship. I will never ask you to do anything you don't want to do. I know this is all new to you but I want you to be able to trust me and talk to me about anything that's on your mind." Georg finished smiling at Maria. After a few minutes of silence Maria spoke, "Thank you Georg that was really sweet. All I can think to say is thank you." Maria looked at Georg with complete adoration." "I believe it is time to call the children in for dinner. We can talk more after dinner if you would like." Georg said standing up and offering Maria his arm. "I would like that." Maria said cautiously taking Georg's arm. Georg was happy that Maria opened up to him a little.

Dinner went as usual and after Maria and Georg read stories and tucked the children in. As Maria was getting the children ready for bed whenever she looked at Georg she felt the same feeling she felt before when Georg touched her hand. Pondering it as she went to her room to relax she realized she was starting to feel love. Maria knew she should talk to Georg about these new feelings. She knew he would help her understand them. She trusted him so she went to go find him even though she wasn't exactly sure how to express her feelings.

Georg was sitting at his desk in his study when he heard a knock. "Come in." he replied wondering who was calling on him. The door slowly opened, "Um… Georg could I talk to you?" Maria asked nervously standing in the door way of his study. "Of Couse Maria please come in." Georg said getting up and leading her to the couch. "You see I was in my room and I was just thinking because whenever I looked at you when we were putting the children to bed I felt this strange feeling. I only ever felt this feeling one other time and it was when you touched my hand earlier." Maria explained and her checks flushed, "I don't know what these feelings are but I think it's the being of love… I know it sounds ridiculous but I can't think of anything else to explain it." Maria looked down at the floor because she didn't want to see Georg laughing at her. "Maria," Georg said taking her hand. Maria didn't flinch or pull away; instead she relaxed when she felt that strange feeling. "It's not ridiculous. I wish I could provide an explanation but only you can know if what you are feeling is love." Georg said. Georg noticed Maria didn't react negatively when he told hold of her hand. Georg and Maria talked about a variety of other things for a few hours. Finally when Georg noticed Maria was on the verge of falling asleep on the couch he suggested they headed off to bed.

Georg led Maria up the stairs to her room. Georg threw caution to the winds and hugged Maria. Maria was going to pull away but she felt so safe in Georg's arms. She hugged him back and her heart beat sped up. "Good night Maria." Georg said releasing Maria from his grasp. Maria stifled a yawn and replied, "Good Night Georg." before disappearing behind her door. As Georg got into bed he could help but feel very happy about how things were going with Maria. Both Maria and Georg fell asleep with smiles on their faces feeling loved.