I'm finally updating this story. Thanks so much for all the lovely and encouraging reviews. It's wonderful to get feedback. This chapter has a T rating. Warning – Maria has an awful dream (in italics) near the end which you may wish to skip.

Historical background

10-11 March 1938

Hitler ratchets up the pressure on the Austria. He demands the resignation of Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg and the cancellation of the referendum on Austrian independence. In order to intimidate and manipulate the Austrian government he masses German troops on the border. Britain, France and Italy have all indicated through diplomatic channels that they will not intervene in support of Austria if Germany invades so the Chancellor bows to the inevitable and cancels the plebiscite and resigns. He gives a farewell speech to the nation, telling Austria and the world that Austria 'is yielding to force' to avoid bloodshed. He ends his emotional speech on the wireless with a defiant 'God bless Austria.'

Hitler then demands that prominent Austrian Nazi Arthur Seyss-Inquart* be appointed as Chancellor, and to reinforce his ultimatum conducts a series on military manoeuvres on the border. After a delay the President concedes. The new Chancellor Seyss-Inquart is instructed by Hitler to call for German intervention to 'restore order' in Austria. The Anschluss is days - if not hours - away. Former Chancellor von Schuschnigg is placed under arrest by the new Chancellor.**

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Even the youngest children knew that something momentous was about to happen but they were not quite sure what. Whatever it was all the adults looked grave, as if they were at a funeral. And perhaps they were – they were witnessing the beginning of the end of their homeland as it would soon be incorporated into the Third Reich as a province – Ostmark.

Everyone, including the household staff, was going to gather in the library shortly because the wireless had been broadcasting messages that Chancellor von Schuschnigg would be making a statement to the nation at 7.30pm. Georg had not taken dinner with the family, staying in the library to listen to the wireless all day. The plate of food that Maria had taken to him was left uneaten on a table. She had flitted between the dining room and the library over the last couple of hours knowing both her children and her husband needed her comfort.

The little ones were looking increasingly worried and uncertain, not able to understand what was going on but knowing it was serious. She had reassured them with smiles and chatter though she knew they could see the fear and anguish in her eyes.

In the library, alone with Georg, she sat on the arm of his chair holding him close, caressing his head and hair, sharing loving kisses where no words would come. There was not much left to say with their hearts aching with grief.

At last 7.30 came and everyone came into the library. It was almost a relief after the endless waiting and suspense, even if the news was to be bad. Georg stood alone, tall and straight, his hands behind his back. His military bearing giving him a dignity and gravitas as he nodded to his staff as they came in. He even managed a reassuring smile and a wink for the children. Maria was not sure whether the little ones should come but in the end decided to let them.

The crackling of the static on the wireless was loud but still the voice of Chancellor von Schuschnigg came through, strong, solemn, heavy with emotion:

"This day has placed us in a tragic and decisive situation. I have to give my Austrian fellow countrymen the details of the events of today.

The German Government today handed to President Miklas an ultimatum, with a time limit, ordering him to nominate as chancellor a person designated by the German Government and to appoint members of a cabinet on the orders of the German Government; otherwise German troops would invade Austria.

I declare before the world that the reports launched in Germany concerning disorders by the workers, the shedding of streams of blood, and the creation of a situation beyond the control of the Austrian Government are lies from A to Z. President Miklas has asked me to tell the people of Austria that we have yielded to force since we are not prepared even in this terrible situation to shed blood. We have decided to order the troops to offer no resistance.

So I take leave of the Austrian people with the German word of farewell uttered from the depth of my heart: God protect Austria."

(Chancellor von Schuschnigg, Resignation speech, 11 March 1938)

As they all listened to the words Maria saw Gretl whispering to Louisa asking her what it meant and getting a fierce "Shush" in response. Maria held out her arm towards Gretl and she and Marta went over to Maria on the sofa and put their arms around her enlargened stomach, hugging her close, anxious and confused.

Brigitta and Louisa looked ready to cry while Kurt and Friedrich were doing their best to emulate their father's dignified solemnity, despite their own fears. Frau Schmidt looked to the ground with eyes full of sadness and the housemaids looked uncertain and distressed. Franz kept his face in his usual stoic and impenetrable mask, staring ahead, while the gardeners and kitchen staff discreetly hid their elation knowing the Captain's views.

Georg's face remained impassive but Maria knew the crushing despair he must be feeling. She longed to go over and wrap her arms around him, but knowing she couldn't until they were alone. She thought of all the terrible things he had had to face in his life: the crumbling of the Empire that he had served so valiantly, the resulting loss of his cherished naval career, the death of his beloved wife – all things that would have broken a lesser man. Now he was faced with the loss of his homeland, and, unless she could persuade him otherwise, a terrible farewell to his family and a dangerous fate. Her heart ached for him – for all of them.

As the broadcast finished and all that remained was the sound of static, Georg switched off the wireless. He spoke quietly but clearly to the staff.

"It appears we have a new Chancellor. Since we all know his political allegiance we can only speculate on what this means for Austria. We will know in the coming days whether or when the Anschluss will happen. Whatever our views on the situation, I think we can all agree that Chancellor von Schuschnigg and the President have acted with great integrity and honour and have been courageous defenders of Austria. I would ask the Baroness to lead us in prayer for them and for all Austrians."

Everyone bowed their heads as Maria said a prayer asking for guidance, protection and courage in facing what may come. As she thought about all the households throughout Austria listening to the broadcast - knowing some would greet the news with joy, while others would undoubtedly be weeping with fear and horror - she asked for God's protection for all of Austria's citizens no matter what their views or religious beliefs. Then she silently asked God again to help her save her husband.

The staff filed out of the library and the family were left alone.

"What does this mean Father?" Liesl spoke for all the children.

Georg spoke carefully, trying to choose words that would not distress the little ones. "This is going to be a very big change for Austria. It appears as if the Anschluss will happen very soon. Your mother and I think it would be best if you children went for a holiday to stay with your grandparents in England until things settle down and we see what happens here. And for the moment I would like all of you not to say anything about this to anyone including our staff. Let's just keep this to ourselves until we see what will happen." He smiled at them reassuringly.

"And what about you and Mother? Will you come on the holiday too?" Louisa asked.

Georg and Maria exchanged a look. Maria swallowed hard and did her best to keep her expression neutral for the children, even as her heart felt ready to burst with sadness as Georg answered. "For the time being I will stay here and sort out a few things and then join you later. Mother will go with you and you must all help her since she will be very tired because of the baby and it may not be easy to travel. I know I can rely on all of you to do your best. I am so very proud of you all."

His voice became husky and almost broke at his last sentence but the younger children did not seem to notice, absorbed in the astonishing news that they were going on a holiday in the middle of the school year. Only Friedrich and Liesl looked at him closely.

"We will do our very best Father, don't worry." Friedrich spoke. "When do we go?"

"As soon as possible," his father responded. Maria knew that the train tickets for them to leave the following day were in his desk drawer.

"Right now, I think we have all had enough drama for one day. I need to speak to your mother for a bit and then we will come up to say goodnight" he said with forced cheerfulness.

The children went out of the library but Friedrich lingered behind.

"Father," he spoke quietly, seriously. "I want to stay with you. I can help you."

"I know you can son, but no, I need you to help your mother since I cannot go right now. That is far far more important." Georg squeezed his son's shoulder, giving him a look of immense love and pride. "I know how much I can rely on you to take the responsibility when I am not there. I could not be prouder of the fine young man you have become. Now go finish your homework and we will come up soon."

Friedrich looked at his father, clearly suspicious that all was what not what it seemed. He hesitated but went.

"He knows" Maria said quietly.

Georg nodded. "He has probably guessed."

He sighed and closed his eyes, exhausted. Maria went to him and hugged him, though her bump made it difficult for them to be as close as they wished.

He took her hand and they sat on the sofa. He put his head in his hands, despair etched in his hunched shoulders. Maria wrapped her arms around him and rested her head against him. She was not going to give up on trying to convince even at this stage.

She also knew Martin had promised to come over when she had spoken to him on the phone two evenings ago. Martin had told her that he believed the only way that Georg would change his mind was if Georg believed that Maria's health was at risk. Martin had told her on the phone she must convince him there was a problem with her pregnancy. She was torn by this – she did not want to lie and deceive Georg, and she was not a convincing liar in any case. But she also desperately needed to save him. She decided to try every other avenue first even if time was rapidly running out.

"Darling, you heard what the Chancellor said. The army is being told to stand down, to not resist. That means there would be no role for you. If they were being told to fight back, to resist the Nazis, they would need you with all your invaluable military experience and tactical skills, but there will be no fight back, no call to arms."

"So Austria is to be handed to them on a plate? Not a single shot fired to protect our homeland?" Georg asked bitterly.

"What choice do the Chancellor and President have? They are honourable, civilized men who want to prevent bloodshed. They know our tiny army is no match for the mighty German Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe. They would be crushed immediately – there would be massive loss of life."

Georg rubbed his face with his hands wearily. "I am too exhausted to think right now my love. Let's put the children to sleep and go upstairs."

But then he turned to her, clasping her hands in both of his and kissing them almost reverently and letting her see the torment and pain in his eyes. "I don't think I tell you often enough how much I love you and how grateful I am for the happiness you have given me. Leaving you will be the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Nothing I have faced before will be as bad as this. I wish I had the words to tell you how much you mean to me but I am only a soldier not a poet."

"Don't make me cry before we see the children. I am not giving up on you, we are going to talk more on this upstairs" Maria whispered as tears slid down her cheeks. She was vaguely surprised she had any tears left. She felt like she had cried an ocean of them already.

By sheer force of will they both managed to put on a comforting and reassuring display for the children, kissing each one goodnight, with Georg lingering over each child with a few extra loving words.

Upstairs in their room she sat on the bed beside him as he lay stretched out, his face grey with stress and exhaustion. She took one of his hands in both of hers, clutching it tightly.

"Darling I know you think I am strong and that I can do this, but I'm not. I need you with me. I am so scared of having this baby on my own, of looking after the children without you. I'm scared of being in a new country, a new place and starting over again. I can't manage without you. And I cannot bear to think of you being harmed – I don't how I would be able to carry on if something happened to you. Please darling, come with us. We will find another way to fight them."

She could see the torment and anguish in his eyes which he did not try to hide from her. And she could see uncertainty too – he was being torn apart by his sense of duty and his love for his family. Perhaps he was no longer so sure he was making the right choice.

"God, Maria, I just don't know anymore. I am so tired I just don't know what to do, what to think. Now that the moment that we all knew was coming is finally here I find my resolve is shakey." He caressed her cheek tenderly with his hand. "And I am so sorry that I am asking so much from you my darling, I wish there could be some other way."

"There is another way, I am sure of it. You would have no chance if you stay here."

"Let's get some sleep and then I will be able to think more clearly in the morning. But first darling, I need you so much." He drew her down to him, kissing her with an urgency that bordered on desperation, and then loving her with all the tenderness and passion in his heart.

They went to sleep with Georg holding her tightly from behind since her bump was so big now.

Maria knew she was dreaming but she still could not seem to wake herself up from the hideous nightmare and escape the appalling scene in front of her. She could feel her heart pounding and tears running down her cheeks. Even though she kept telling herself it was a dream she could not find release from it.

She was standing in a bright sunny courtyard as a scene of savage barbarity unfolded before her eyes. In front of her were five or six men, their faces indistinct. She could not tell if one of them was Georg but her heart was racing with fear in case he was amongst them. They were tied to poles, their hands behind their backs, some were slumped forward unconscious, one was on his knees leaning forward held up only by his tied hands. Others were standing in the hot sun, their faces bloody and bruised, barely conscious, their shirts torn.

She tried to go to each one in case one was Georg and she could save him. But every time she came close their faces become blurred. She was crying in both her dream and her sleep, desperate, her heart filled with anguish. Was he there? Which one was he? Then she realized that even if she did not know which one he was or even if he was amongst them she could try to untie them all. She worked feverishly at the knots that were binding their hands so tightly. But her trembling, clumsy fingers could not undo the ropes that were biting into their skin.

She desperately wanted to relieve their suffering in some way. She saw a bucket of water and went to it, cupping her hands to bring water to their parched mouths.

Then with her heart thudding in horror she saw a group of men dressed in the vile black uniforms designed to strike terror into hearts, that make the Gestapo so distinguishable, walking towards the tied prisoners. They carried rifles in their hands and the one in the lead held a revolver. A firing squad.

Their faces were implacable with cruelty. After five years of indiscriminate power in dealing with political opponents in Germany they were utterly merciless and devoid of any compassion and human decency. She knew there was no point in trying to reason with them and she could only stand, rooted to the spot, about to witness the unspeakable atrocity that was to take place.

Just when she thought she could not stand any more Maria woke up, gasping for breath, weeping, her heart pounding and her chest heavy with the oppressive weight of the dream. Georg was sleeping beside her. Even though she was awake the residues of the ghastly dream stayed with her. Was this the fate that awaited him? She had to save him – she would do anything.

She reached over and touched him, needing to feel the warmth of his skin to give her reassurance that the dream was not real and he was alive and well. He stirred at her touch and awoke briefly. Seeing her tear-stained face he pulled her to him, stroking her hair and murmuring words of love and comfort before he drifted back to sleep.

She felt too frightened to go back to sleep in case the nightmare was waiting there to claw her back into its pit of horrors. She could feel the baby moving about, restless. Could the baby feel her fear and anxiety? She stroked it comfortingly with all the tenderness of motherhood. She wanted to see Georg holding his baby like a physical ache.

She did the only thing she could that gave her comfort and got out of bed to kneel down and bow her head in prayer, seeking solace to shake off the terrible weight of the dream on her heart. It seemed to have darkened her very soul.

As she continued her prayers she heard the quiet crunch of tires outside on the gravel. She looked out the window and could see the looming black shape of a car with its headlights off on the road outside. She awoke Georg. He was alert instantly, looking out the window, then searching for his trousers in the dark, finding them on the floor and pulling them on. He whispered to her to stay in the bedroom as he grabbed his shirt and headed downstairs while putting it on. She dressed too and followed far enough behind that he would not see her and watched as he looked out the window near the door and then opened the door quietly. To Georg's astonishment he saw it was Martin, and with him were Heinrich and Werner.

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Notes

*Seyss-Inquart would later oversee the brutal occupation of the Netherlands and the mass deportation of its Jewish population to the concentration camps. After the war he was captured and tried for war crimes at the Nuremburg trials. He was found guilty of Crimes against Humanity and sentenced to death.

** I love true stories about courage and love in the face of the horrors and carnage of war. I found this story quite touching. Chancellor von Schuschnigg refused to flee to Hungary after he resigned, (another stubborn man!), declaring he had done nothing wrong in defying Hitler. When he was arrested along with tens of thousands of other political opponents in the first days of the Anschluss, he was placed in solitary confinement for a year. Austrians were not told of his fate, nor of the thousands who were imprisoned or executed in those first days – since the Nazis kept tight control over all information.

He was however, allowed to marry his fiancé - an Austrian Countess - by proxy. She campaigned relentlessly to improve his degrading conditions, using all her connections as a member of the aristocracy and writing numerous letters to Himmler and Hitler. Eventually he was moved to Sachsenhausen concentration camp, where through her pressure, she was allowed to join him in imprisonment even though she was not under arrest. (Now that is true love – I could imagine Maria doing something like that). They were allowed live together and their daughter was eventually born in one of the prison camps they were incarcerated in.

His son from his first marriage was taken from him and sent to Germany to be educated. When he was old enough Kurt junior was forced into the Third Reich Navy and made to serve the regime that had imprisoned his father. After visiting his father in one of the prison camps, Kurt junior deserted and through the support of various resistance movements and the kindness and courage of strangers he was able to go into hiding, before finding his way to the U.S. after the war. When the Americans liberated Dachau concentration camp in 1945, the former Chancellor, his wife and young daughter were released and were able to move to the U.S. where he taught law for the rest of life.