The rest of the day went by quickly, and Georg was without opportunity to call the villa. It wasn't until he was seated at the recital, gritting his teeth at the inexperienced, clumsy playing he was being subjected to, that he realized it. He knew by the time they'd returned to Elsa's that evening it would be too late, and he would have to take the first opportunity he found in the morning to reach home and check on things.
His thoughts were interrupted by a small bursting of applause as Sophie Krauss concluded her first piece. Georg slowly brought his own hands together, so as not to call attention to himself. He liked Sophie's parents very much, but couldn't imagine who had convinced them the their daughter was proficient enough to play publicly. As she began playing the next piece, his thoughts began to wander once again.
Since he was bringing Elsa to the villa for the very first time he wanted to be sure everything was impeccable before their arrival. He had no doubt that Franz and Frau Schmidt would make all the arrangements necessary for her comfort. What he wasn't sure about was if the sassy little fraulein would be capable of making sure the children were prepared for their initial meeting with Elsa. Georg wanted their first encounter to be flawless. That must be why home stayed in the back of his mind, why he was so anxious. Perhaps he should speak to her himself, when he called. Then he could make sure she understood exactly what he wanted of the children, and herself, when they arrived. Perfection. He sighed quietly, unsure once again if she was capable, no, if she was willing, to do as he asked.
Sophie ended her second etude. Georg took the opportunity to excuse himself to Elsa, and left the salon. He needed fresh air, and looked for the exit to the back gardens. He stepped out and quietly closed the doors behind him.
The captain looked up toward the night sky. It was clear, and countless stars twinkled overhead. The evening sky had always cast a spell over Georg, calming him and clearing his head like nothing else. He had always felt most at peace at sea, with nothing but the water and the stars surrounding him, enveloping him in the darkness. This was hardly the same, with the city beneath him, but it was something at least. He breathed deeply, trying to shake the unsettled feeling that had traveled with him to Vienna. Here is where he came to escape the sadness, the anger, the grief, the bitterness. The memories. What he couldn't understand was why it wasn't working this time.
He'd been standing outside long enough that Sophie's recital had ended; the doors opened and several of the other guests came spilling out into the garden where he was standing. Elsa made a beeline for him, followed closely on her heels by Max. "Darling, what were you doing out here all this time? I hope the Krausses didn't notice, they'd be crushed." Elsa took Georg's arm, and tried to steer him back to the house. "Let's please at least go and congratulate Sophie on her accomplishment, shall we?"
"If we must." Georg looked toward Max, gave his cousin a grin. "Max, have you considered putting her in the festival? I'm sure her parents would be delighted at the prospect." He knew fully well that if it was a possibility, Max would have already thought of it.
Max chuckled in return. "No, afraid not. Sophie's talents are not exactly what we're looking for. I need a few more vocal acts for the program, actually." He saw a maid passing by with filled champagne glasses, and plucked one easily from the tray. "I'm hoping to find something around Salzburg when we get there." Quickly he drained the bubbly liquid from the glass, bowed to his friends, and went in search of more.
Elsa smiled warmly at Georg. "Speaking of Salzburg, have you thought of when you might like to go, darling? I will need time to prepare, and pack my bags."
Georg placed his arm around her waist, and gently set her in the direction of the house. "I was thinking perhaps the day after tomorrow? You'll have had your party, and there is no reason to put it off any longer. I'll call in the morning to make sure everything will be prepared to your liking."
"Are you sure? That seems so soon." Elsa looked at Georg, but the expression on his face did not change. "Well, I supposed I can have Hanne begin the packing for me. I am so looking forward to seeing your home." The two continued on into the house for dinner.
The rest of the evening passed uneventfully, for which Georg was grateful. He liked Hilda and Felix Krauss well enough, but barely knew the others in attendance. Though it may have been rude of him, he wasn't terribly interested in getting to know any of them, either. Once again, the conversation was mostly gossip, which he found terribly boring. Boring people, boring minds, boring conversations-all of this made it much easier to keep everyone and everything at arm's length. He sat quietly, ruminating on the wine in his glass. It was a deep golden color, and the way the lights played on it reminded him of his governess once again. It was just the color of her hair. Her short pixie cut, while unusual on a woman, was quite flattering to her and made her cerulean eyes even more striking. He sighed, and only then noticed Elsa, a few seats away across the table, looking at him curiously. Georg gave her a smile, sipped the wine, and set down the glass before looking away.
Upon returning to Elsa's house, the trio bid one another goodnight and each went to their own quarters. Once the captain was alone in his room, he changed into his nightclothes, and climbed into the bed, hoping sleep would come swiftly. His eyes closed as his dream self once again tumbled through the darkness in search of comfort.
