Chapter 1: Disappearing Act

"Surely there is something that I can do to help?' said the Baroness. At that moment, sure she felt some sort of uneasiness about what she had said to Maria. And maybe it was purely out of jealousy. But she didn't know what else to do. Desperate times called for desperate measures. And maybe she hadn't meant or wanted it to play out like this.

"No, there is nothing." Replied Maria, who was too busy throwing her things in her carpet bag. In that moment, then and there, all she wanted was to get out of there. And without any of the children seeing her. Let alone, HIM.

If she couldn't be of any help, then maybe it was a good thing that she quietly left her alone with her task at hand. She quietly made her exit, returning the party at hand. With a some what somber expression now occupying her facial features, she returned to party.

"There has got to be a way to get Fraulein Maria to use her influence over Georg." Said Max.

"Maybe the one you should be talking to is, me." Smiled Elsa. Leaving a rather surprised and slightly stunned Max to himself. Oh, she definitely knew something. And whatever it was, it wasn't something small.

The minute he knew Elsa was out of viewing, he slowly made his way out of the hall. And when he came into the main hall, he was rather surprised to find Maria almost out the door. He wanted to say something and to stop her. But wasn't sure if it was necessarily the right thing to do. But then again, this was woman that he needed to help him convince the Captain of the music festival. Elsa, as much as she was convinced that she could take on the task, he knew she would never manage to convince him with a fighting argument. No, he NEEDED her.

So instead of stopping her, he simply walked back into the hall and made his way over to the two of them.

"Georg, could I borrow you for a moment. It's rather important." Said Max. Elsa glanced over at Max. She knew by his expression that this was NOT about the festival rather something else. He didn't know about the conversation she had with Maria, had he? Had he figured it out and put two and two together? She prayed to god that he hadn't. If he had, then who knew what he would tell him.

"I highly doubt that this is the time and place for you talk about the festival, Max." said Georg.

"It has nothing to do with the festival, thank you." Said Max. He could easily tell that by Max's expression at the moment, that it was rather important and couldn't wait.

So the two of the excused themselves from the festivities and walked out to the open garden. Elsa tried to follow behind them when Max suddenly stopped her. Panic began to set in. Elsa returned to the ball at hand.

"Max, this better be good." Said Georg.

"I just thought it might be of interest to you that your governess just left." Said Max. There was no humor behind him this time. He was calm but genuine. Not a frequent thing to see in Max.

"What are you talking about? Fraulein Maria is upstairs changing for dinner." Said Georg. God, he hoped he was right. But there was an uneasiness in his tone that said otherwise.

"No, she's not. She just snuck out about five minutes ago. Just after Elsa rejoined the party." Said Max. Wait, did this have something with Elsa? Was she the reason behind Maria suddenly taking off? No, she wasn't and couldn't be capable of such a thing. Or was he just underestimating her abilities?

"Why the hell didn't you stop her? If you saw her trying to leave, then why didn't you say something, let alone do something?" snapped Georg. Out of all the governesses, she was the one that has had the most impact on him and his family the most. None of the previous governess would have done the things she did.

Why it had to take something like this, for the light to finally turn on, was beyond a doubt. At least one that he couldn't comprehend. And he wasn't about to sit back and watch the next few events fold out. Not if he had anything to say about it.

"What the hell was I suppose to do? Stand in front of the door so she couldn't leave? Why the hell is it even my responsibility to begin with?" asked Max.

"What the hell did you do to send her packing all of a sudden out of the blue?' said Georg. He was still rather angry and heated that she had even left in the first place. What the hell and how was he going to explain it to seven children, who came to trust her and open up with her? Things were falling apart right before his own eyes and he couldn't do anything about it.

"I didn't say or do anything, thank you. The last person to even be with her was…." Stopped Max. He suddenly realized who the last person to be seen with her was.

"Who, Max?" asked Georg. Was he even sure that he wanted to know the answer? If it was going to help even get her back, then he would have to know who it was. Even if he didn't like the answer he was given.

"Elsa was the last one seen with her. When Maria said she had to change for dinner, Elsa offered to go and help her. She must have said something to either upset or offended her." Said Max.

That wasn't possible. Could it? Why would Elsa do even such a thing? None of this was making any sense.

"Stay here and stall for as long as you can. Especially Elsa. I'll take care of that issue itself when I get back." Said Georg.

"What are you doing? Rather, where are you going in the middle of a party that YOU are supposed to be hosting?" asked Max.

"Where else do you think I'm going? To find the governess." Said Georg. Something else was going on and he could sense it. There was more than just the governess in his tone of his voice. More urgency than usual.

And before he knew what was going on around him, he was out the front door. Leaving him to take over hosting duties. How the hell was he going to keep Elsa otherwise occupied? Everyone else? That was simple. But Elsa? That was going to prove more of a challenge in itself.

The first place that he could even think that she may have gone, was the Abbey. Hoping that he would find her there, he was rather surprised when he hadn't. The Reverend Mother has said she had came back briefly but that was only to collect the rest of her possessions. But she said nothing of where she had or may have went.

By now, it was nearing darkness and he wouldn't be able to spend much more time searching for her. There would be another chance in the morning. When the sun shone brightly and clearly. But again, the problem was going to be when the children noticed that she was missing. It would be like being on a ship. Mutiny would brake out.

Finally calling it quits for the night, he slowly made his way back to the villa. Although, he would have much rather been out looking for her. Then in a crowded room of socialites and people he simply detest. Especially in the presence of Herr Zeller. That man just knew how to push his buttons the wrong way.

By the time he finally made it back to the villa, guests were making the way out the front door. The only way to sneak back in, was to go around the back way. And that's exactly what he had done.

Max knew where he had gone. Even without having anything said. But what surprised him the most, was that he hadn't been gone long. An hour, tops.

"No luck? Did you try the Abbey?" asked Max.

"Where do you think I went first. You said nothing to Elsa, did you?' questioned Georg.

"Do you really take me for a fool?" said Max.

"Depends on the situation. Did you say anything to Elsa" repeated Georg.

"I said absolutely nothing once so ever. Besides she was otherwise occupied with Baron and Baroness Elberfeld." Said Max.

"Of all people, she had to kiss up too and it would be the only two in the room that believe this is still Austria." Replied Georg.

"It's Elsa. What did you expect?' said Max.

"Not running off the governess, that's for damn sure." Said Georg. Why the hell would she do a thing? Its not like there was any reason for her to. Just like there was absolutely no reason for her to be jealous either. But then again, it must have been something, because Maria was no longer there.

"Don't look at me. I didn't tell her to. I'm just as surprised as you are." Said Max. Just as Max was finishing his sentence, Elsa was soon walking over to the two men. Looking like an innocent child who had just gotten away with sticking their hand in the cookie jar.

"You disappeared all of a sudden, Georg." Smiled Elsa.

"What? Sorry, something came up that needed my attention." said Georg. And it was the truth. Finding Maria was by far more important than trying to please a group of socialites for the night.

"All this excitement has simply worn me out. I'll think I'll retire and call it a night." Replied Elsa, ascending the staircase.

However Max when the opposite direction while Georg simply when upstairs to his eldest. Simply hoping that she might have ideas as to where she had gone. And without, waking and disturbing the younger ones. Had he not been in such a hurry to get up the stairs, he hadn't noticed the letter on the end table in the corner.

Quietly, without waking Frederich, Louis and Kurt. He walked in the room. It didn't take much for his eldest to notice his presence in the room.

"Father? What is wrong? You never come in the room." Asked Liesel.

"Nothing. Well it's not nothing. Do know where else besides the Abbey, Maria would go?' asked Georg. And he tried to ask without giving to much detail or the actual reason for him asking in the first place.

"No. Why? Isn't she in her room?" asked Liesel. Great, she had already picked up on it.

"Actually, no, she's not, Liesel. Which is why I was asking you if you knew of any other place that she may have gone." Said Georg.

"No. The only other spot I can even think about would be…." Started Liesel. She knew the only other spot that Maria would have possible gone, was to the mountains. She was always saying that those were HER mountains and she could never be lost on them. But what if this time was different and something had happened to her? No, that was not possible.

"Where?" asked Georg. He knew just as well Liesel, that the only other spot that she would have gone would be the mountains. But in the dark? Why would she go up there at night? Daylight, that was a different story. That he could understand. But not at night. Just the idea, was making him uneasy about the whole situation.

"The mountains. Isn't Fraulein Maria coming back in the morning?" asked Liesel. For being the same child that told her the first day she had came to them, that she didn't need a governess, she was rather anxious about her leaving. Why would she leave them? Didn't she love them?

"I'm not sure." Was all he could simply answer at the moment. He didn't want to say yes or no for the simple fear of getting her upset. He could see the look in her eyes that it already was beginning to upset her. And if it was upsetting her, then more than likely, it was going to upset the remaining six. Heaven help him.

"Did Baroness Schrader say something to Fraulein Maria to make her leave?" asked Liesel. She had noticed that whenever the Baroness was in the same room with Maria, that she always seemed a little hesitant. More like suspicious. But of what? There was nothing to be suspicious about. Unless she knew something that none of them were aware of? Why would she leave them like she had? Why hadn't she at least said goodbye to them?

"What makes you think that, Liesel?" said Georg.

"Because anytime she was in the same room as Fraulein Maria, she always seemed uncomfortable around her. She was always checking to make sure that Fraulein Maria was doing just her job and nothing more. Not like you could have missed it." Said Liesel.

She had been right about his children. All of them. Liesel most of all. She was no longer that same little five year old that always came running into her whenever she fell and hurt herself. She wasn't the same little girl that he sung 'Edelweiss' to every night before bed. And it took a certain governess to pull the blindfold off for him to notice it.

He hadn't noticed it. So how could she have noticed? Or was it something out in the open that was just plan obvious to everyone but him.

"I'm sure the Baroness didn't say anything to Fraulein Maria that would scare her away." Replied Georg. He wasn't even sure of that answer himself. Let alone enough to tell his children.

"Then why would Fraulein Maria just leave us like she did? It had to have been something that was said to her. She wouldn't leave without saying goodbye first." Said Liesel.

"You let me take of what was said and from whom. Liesel, please don't say anything to your brothers and sisters about Maria leaving." Said Georg.

"Father?" Asked Liesel.

"Yes, Liesel?" came his reply.

"You said Maria. Not Fraulein Maria." Corrected Liesel, with a smile of satisfaction now on her face. He hadn't caught the slip up. HE slowly closed the door behind him and began walking down the stairs, with a heavy mind.

By the time he had gotten to the bottom steps, it was only then when he was scanning the main part of the villa, did he finally notice the envelope on the hall table. If he wasn't sure about where she had gone, then maybe, just maybe, she said something in her note. Once again, his mind elsewhere at the moment, he made his way to his study. Knowing full well, that he would be left alone while in there. And even if he was to disturbed, it would be by Max. Elsa never stepped one foot in the room. And simply refused to. Even with an open invitation.

He wasn't quite sure if he wanted to even open the envelope at the moment. He didn't know what to expect what would be in that note. Why was such a small piece of paper making him even more nervous and anxious as it was? Oh well. Back to the task at hand. It was now or never. Might as well be now. Maybe then he would have an idea of how to handle tomorrow.

There was not much of anything in the note. All it said was:

Please forgive me for not saying to goodbye. I wanted to. But it would have just made it harder for me to leave all of you. It wasn't anything that you seven had done. I just felt and thought that I needed to leave. I simply came to do a job and it's now done. There's no need for me interfere anymore. Before any one of you decides to come looking for me, you won't find me at the Abbey. The Abbey was not where I was meant to be. It may have taken me awhile to come to terms with it but I did. I don't expect any of you to forgive me for leaving the way that I have. I wouldn't forgive myself either. But you'll always have those play clothes to play in, the terrace for picnics and of course the puppet show. But don't forget about your school work either. I wouldn't want your father presuming that I, as he once said, 'to neglect their studies'. You will always be a part of me wherever I go.

And that's all there was to be said. Nothing more. Nothing less. She made it sound like she was definitely not coming back. But that wasn't going to stop any of them, and especially him, from finding her and convince to her to return. This was by no means done and over with. Finally giving into the heaviness of his eyes, he quickly put the note in his desk draw and turned in for the night. Hoping that tomorrow would be a better day then the last.

When the sun rose the next morning, there was a defining silence about the villa. Everything feeling like it had shifted during the night's slumber. He hadn't gotten much sleep the night before. Simply because his mind and thoughts were elsewhere. Rather, on someone else.

It wasn't long before Max and Elsa joined him on the terrace for strudels and lemonade. Along with seven distraught children. Obviously they had taken notice of the absence of their governess. The only one to see to be in any kind of good mood, was Elsa.

"Father? Where is Fraulein Maria?" asked Gretel. For being the youngest, she was certainly an observant child. Not that the rest of them weren't.

But before he could even give an answer, he was rather taken aback when Elsa jumped in and answered for him. And with such a tone that he wasn't sure that he liked.

"Fraulein Maria went back to the Abbey last night, darling." Said Elsa, with such a coldness in her tone. But with a fake like smile on her face. Max knew where this was likely headed. An ugly mess that could simply have been avoided at all costs.

Gretel immediately took of running into the house, with tears falling down her little face. Liesel being the first to jump in, had no intention of being nice and polite with the Baroness. Especially if she had anything to do with Maria's sudden departure.

"Because you flat out told her to. Because of you, she felt like she had to leave." Snapped Liesel. She knew her outburst and rather rude manners would get her in trouble with her father later. But at that moment she didn't care. Not one of the remaining five had anything to say. Rather, they couldn't find anything to say. Not that wouldn't get them in trouble.

Elsa was taken aback at the outburst from the children.

As the five remaining children were walking into the house, Louisa stopped and turned around. Only to remark to the Baroness in a rude manner as well.

"You didn't want Fraulein Maria around because she knew you wanted to ship the seven of us of to boarding school. Next time, don't say it loud enough when we're within ear shot." Yelled Louisa. She hadn't meant to yell but at the moment, she was just so furious that the women would run off the one person that they loved dearly. And now it seemed like she wasn't coming back at all.

Meanwhile, Max knew she hadn't caught right then and there. And the worst part of it, was that he was with her when she made the comment. He suddenly felt a wave of guilt overcome him. However, his friend looked absolutely and down right enraged.

That was it. That was all that it simply took to break the camel's back. Max tried to ecuse himself before things got heated but was stopped when he hear his friend ask that same very question that he had been dreading.

"Max, was such a comment made?" asked Georg. Even he wasn't sure that he wanted to know the answer to that question.

Max hesitated a moment longer. Before he answered, he took a glance at Elsa, who had panic written all over her face.

"Yes." Came the reply. That was all he needed to know. Before the conversation could go any further, Louisa reappeared.

"Father? May I go into town?" asked Louisa.

Hell at the moment, he felt going somewhere else. Other than were he was at the moment. But he couldn't. He had to address the problem at hand.

"Georg, I'll take her. We'll be back in time for dinner." Offered Max.

"As long as you're back by dinner and Uncle Max knows where you are at all times, Louisa." Replied Georg.

Town Market

It was nice of a day to be inside. So why not walk into town, get a few items and head for the mountains? That was exactly what Maria had in mind. Although, she was rather surprised that none of them had tried to find her. But then again, they probably did and went to the Abbey and gave up after finding out that she wasn't there.

Louisa told Max where she would be. She would be within the Town Square limits and that was as far as she went. However, neither women knew that they were about to meet again. Max stepped inside one of the little shops. Leaving Louisa to explore on her. She had been to the town square numerous times. She knew it backwards and out. Just like her siblings. But this time, it was different. They all weren't together with her in the market, laughing as she juggled the tomatoes.

Stopping at the flower stand, Louisa caught site of a familiar figure. She knew that figure anywhere.

"Fraulein Maria?" said Louisa. Upon hearing her name being called, Maria quickly turned in the direction of the voice and was rather surprised when she saw Louisa standing right next to her. Out of all seven, she would have guess that Liesel would have been the one to come looking for her. But Louisa?

"Louisa, does you're father know that you're here?" asked Maria. She prayed to god that did.

"He knows. Uncle Max brought me." Replied Louisa.

"Any how is everyone?" asked Maria. She should have said how are you're brothers and sisters, rather than everyone. Everyone included him and Baroness Shrader.

"Everyone is upset that you left. Without even saying goodbye. Liesel told off the Baroness earlier because she knew the Baroness had to have said something to you for you to leave just like that. Gretel burst into tears when the Baroness flat out said that you left late last night to go back to the Abbey." Said Louisa. She hadn't expected any of this. At least not the way they were behaving to the Baroness. But at the same time, she felt a little bit better, knowing that they cared enough to defend her. Even when she wasn't there to defend.

"You shouldn't have yelled at the Baroness like that, Louisa." Said Maria.

"Why not? She was the one who said she was going to ship all seven of us off to boarding school. She's the one who made you leave." Said Louisa.

"She didn't make me do anything, Louisa." Said Maria.

"That's not true. You wouldn't have left the way you did, if the Baroness hadn't act like she wanted to help you find something to wear to dinner. We all saw her go in and leave your room." Said Louisa.

"Louisa, this isn't you're problem to deal with. Besides, I didn't want to leave. I HAD to leave." Said Maria.

"Please. I want to know why you left us though." Begged Louisa.

How was she supposed to explain to her that the real reason she left them was because of her father? She didn't think that was something she should be telling her. Even if she wanted to know badly.

"Louisa, I just can't. Please don't push it." Said Maria.

"Was it something we did?" asked Louisa.

"No." said Maria.

"Was it the Baroness?" asked Louisa. She was exactly like her father. Curious to know everything about anything. And just as stubborn when not getting her way.

"Louisa…." Started Maria.

"It WAS the Baroness. That's why you won't answer the question." Said Louisa.

Still nothing. She guessed she would have to figure this out on her own then. And she wasn't anywhere near giving up.

"Did she tell you to leave?' asked Louisa.

"No." said Maria.

"Then what? Did she say something that wasn't true?" asked Louisa.

"I don't know." Said Maria.

"What was it about? Was it about one of us? About Father?' asked Louisa.

"It had or has anything to do with the seven of you." Said Maria.

"Then it has to be something about father." Said Louisa.

"Louisa….." started Maria. Know she knew she had said to much by not answering the thirteen year old. And it almost made her smile at the young girl's determination.

"If you're not at the Abbey, then were are you? Will you at least come back and say hi to the rest of us? Please?" begged Louisa. The truth of the matter was, she really did want her to come back to the villa with her. One to let her siblings see her and second, to stick it to the Baroness.

"In a little cottage just outside of town. Louisa, I'm not sure that's a very good idea. Maybe another time, alright?" said Maria. Louisa wasn't about to give up anytime soon. Not until Maria was coming back with her.

By now, Max had reappeared and took notice that Louisa was talking to someone. Obviously someone she knew. Max walked over in the direction of were Louisa was at. And found himself rather surprised to find Maria talking with Louisa.

"Fraulein Maria, it's nice to see you again." Said Max. And it was.

"It's nice to see you too, Max. Now, I really must be going." Started Maria. Louisa looked at Max before Max spoke once again.

"Why don't you come with us back to the villa and say hello to everyone. I'm sure they would be glad to see you. I simply won't take no for an answer, Fraulein." Said Max. Maria just looked Louisa like she knew what her uncle was up to all along. If not than, she knew exactly who was behind this defeat.

Obviously there was no getting out of it. And as much as she wanted to, she wouldn't feel right seeing just one of them and then it getting back to the remaining six that she saw her. Then the remaining six would want to come and see her for themselves. It was a no-win situation.

"Good, then its settled." Said Max. The three of them quickly drove off on the direction of the villa.

"I don't know who is the worse. You, Max or Louisa. But if I know Louisa like I do, then it's a pretty sure bet that this was all her idea and you just went along with." Smiled Maria.

It wasn't long before they were in front of the villa. Louisa was the first one out of the car. The minute she was out of the car, she took off behind the villa. Max just laughed. He knew more than well what she was doing.

Maria hesitated. Was this really such a good idea? After the way she out of the blue, just left? She was almost quite certain that not one of them would be speaking to her. With every reason. However, that was not the case. The minute she rounded the corner, all seven of them ran straight to her, nearly knocking her down.

"Why did you leave us?' asked Friedrich.

"Where's your father at?" asked Maria.

"I'll find him." Offered Marta.

"I'll go with you." Replied Kurt, as he followed Marta in to the house.

"Gretl, how's your sore finger?" asked Maria.

"You remembered!" smiled Gretl.

"Of course I remember. You got it stuck in Friedrich's teeth. And how about you Liel?" asked Maria.

"I'm alright, Fraulein Maria." Said Liesl.

"Many telegrams lately?" asked Maria.

"No. Now I'll be glad to go to boarding school." Said Liesl.

"Liesl, you can't use boarding school to escape your problems. You have to face them. I have so much to talk to you about." Said Maria.

"I guess the most important thing is that father's going to be married." Said Brigitta, with a somber expression now on her face.

"To Frau Shraeder." Replied Louisa.

So this really wasn't the best thing to do. Now she really did feel like leaving them once again. None of them would miss her. She wouldn't be needed. Not with Baroness Shrader around. She couldn't say anything now. Not when he already had plans to marry. No, she was going to keep it to herself. All of a sudden she could feel her cheeks getting moist. She couldn't cry. Not now. And not in front of them. Not in front of HIM. So she fought back the tears and tried to remain composed. At least that was what she was telling herself in her mind.

"We found him." Said Kurt, as he and Marta returned with their father not far behind. He quickly glanced over at Liesl.

"Liesl…" said Georg. Liesl nodded.

"Louisa, Brigitta, boys. Maria, we'll be in the nursery." Said Liesl.

Now it was just the two of them. This was going to be awkward to say the very least. Not that it hadn't be any less awkward when she first arrived.

"You've come back?" said Georg.

"Yes, Captain." Said Maria.

"You left without any explanation whatsoever – without even saying goodbye." Continued Georg.

"It was very wrong of me. Please forgive me?" said Maria.

"Why did you do this to us? Tell me." Said Georg.

"Please don't ask me. Anyway, the reason no longer exists." Said Maria. Just at the conversation was coming to what seemed like the end, Elsa walked over to where they had been standing. Again, acting like she cared if Maria was back or not.

"Fraulein Maria, you've returned. How lovely." Said Elsa.

"Then you're back to stay?" asked Georg.

"Only until arrangements can be made for another governess." Said Maria. Tears still threating to fall.

"Oh, no! You've be missed by the children. I've missed – everybody missed you very much. Nothing was the same while you were away. Everything was wrong." Said Georg.

Quickly remembering what Brigitta had told her not a few moments ago, she felt she needed to make the gesture. Even if it took all her might to do so.

"I wish you all the happiness. The children tell you are to be married." Said Maria,

"Thank you dear." Replied Elsa.

"We'll talk about it later. You can go up to the children now. Maria, a new dress?" asked Georg.

"We have a new postulant." Said Maria, as she pushed past the two of them, letting the tears fall freely. She went upstairs. But not immediately to the children. Rather to her room to cry on her bed. Not knowing that Louisa had seen her nearly run to her room. Hesitating before finally turning back to the nursery, she let it go for now. She knew Liesl would have an idea to what was going on.

He had completely forgotten about the whole mess with Elsa. She was the reason she had left in the first place. How could he possibly marry someone who would do such a thing? He finally woke up and was just starting to get to know his children more and now she wanted to ship them off the boarding school just so they were out of her way? There was no way in hell that he was about to let that happen. Not while he was still around.

"Elsa, I think we need to talk." Said Georg.