A Moonacre Fanfiction Roman Holiday

Maria Merryweather skipped merrily down the marble staircase. Marmaduke's delicious luncheon had been emitting tantalizing fumes that wafted straight to her room, tempting her taste buds. Marmaduke, as usual, had been preparing lunch since 10:27. Now, at precisely noon, the meal was to be served. Voices floated up from the dining room, and Maria slowed as she caught fragments of the conversation.

"I would feel like a burden," Miss Heliotrope was saying, "And I really don't want to be any trouble at all." Uncle Benjamin replied, "Really, I think it is a wonderful idea. We could take everyone, not just Maria. I'm sure they'd be glad to go." Maria stepped into the dining room. "Go where?" she asked, bright eyes inquisitive. Sir Benjamin looked up, startled at his niece's sudden entrance. "Oh! Um, have a seat, dear," Miss Heliotrope said, wringing her hands nervously. Frowning, Maria sank into a chair.

"What's wrong?" Maria asked, concerned for her tutor's wellbeing. Miss Heliotrope was obviously upset, but Uncle didn't seem to be disturbed. "Miss Heliotrope has been feeling poorly lately," Sir Benjamin began. Maria's eyes widened. "You never complained during lessons!" she exclaimed, turning to face her tutor. "A gentlewoman does not make a fuss," Miss Heliotrope said primly. Maria was glad to see that she was not so ill as to be incapable of retaining her standards of etiquette.

"As I was saying," Sir Benjamin continued with a wry smile, "The doctor has recommended Miss Heliotrope take a vacation. It need only be a few weeks, but a holiday is in order." Maria smiled warmly. "I'm sure you'll have a splendid time, Miss Heliotrope. Where will you go?" Sir Benjamin cleared his throat. "We were considering Rome," Maria's eyes lit up. "But Miss Heliotrope was not going to travel alone." The meaning of his words dawned upon Maria. He went on, "We were considering adding to the party: you, of course, and myself. Naturally Loveday follows, and I suppose Coeur De Noir if he feels so inclined. And that ah, that Robin of yours, is welcome if you wish it."

Maria blushed. "Robin isn't mine," she protested quietly, "But I shall ask if he would like to go. Rome, you say?" Uncle Benjamin inclined his head in a nod. "That was our first choice." Miss Heliotrope's bespectacled eyes twinkled. "I know how much you've wanted to visit Rome, my dear. Oh, and Sir Benjamin, mayn't Digweed come along as well?" Sir Benjamin smiled faintly. "Of course he may, Miss Heliotrope. Digweed, too." Miss Heliotrope sat back in satisfaction.

They were unable to speak much during the luncheon; their mouths were otherwise engaged, thanks to Marmaduke's exceptional cookery. Maria tried to eat rather quickly because she had plans. When they had finished, Maria wiped her mouth daintily and sat her napkin on the table. "May I be excused, Uncle? I should like to inform Robin of our holiday." Sir Benjamin was in the middle of his dessert, a savory crème brûlée. But he nodded his consent, and so Maria properly arose from her chair and walked at a modest pace out of the mansion.

When she had exited the mansion, however, she broke into an eager run. A holiday in Rome! How exciting! Robin must come; it would hardly be as much fun without his glittering dark eyes and good-natured banter. She dashed headlong into the forest, only momentarily considering the mud that would of course splatter upon her petticoat. But this she dismissed with a roll of the eyes. What were soiled petticoats compared to several relaxing weeks in the warm sunshine of Rome?

All of a sudden, a large form dropped down in front of Maria from a tree.

"Robin!" she gasped. "You frightened me!" He smirked. "I am rather startling, aren't I?" he agreed. "That's not what I meant," Maria said, propping her hands on her hips. "I was actually looking for you, though. What were you doing in a tree?" Robin sheathed a large knife that Maria hadn't noticed. "Hunting. But you scared off the deer, so now I'm not hunting. Why?"

Maria blushed. "I'm sorry. I'm just so excited! Guess what?" she didn't wait for an answer. "Miss Heliotrope is ill, so—" "And that's great news?" Robin cut in, arching his eyebrows. "Look, Maria, I know you get tired of your lessons, but don't you think—" "Let me finish, you dimwit! She's ill, so her doctor is letting her vacation in Rome, and she wants us all to come with her!"

Robin crossed her arms suspicious. "Who is 'us all'?" he asked. Maria's brow furrowed as she listed off the names. "Miss Heliotrope, Digweed, Uncle Benjamin, Loveday, maybe your father, me, and you, if you'd like to." Robin cocked his head, considering the idea. "Where did you say this vacation was?" he asked. "Rome," she repeated. He gave her a blank look. "Rome! You've never heard of Rome? The capital of Italy? One of the most famous cities in Europe?" Robin looked sheepish. Maria threw up her hands in exasperation. "What am I going to do with you?" Robin's eye had a dangerous glint. "I could think of a few things," he said slyly.

Pretending not to have heard him, she said, "Well, would you like to come or not? I think it'll be great fun." Robin studied her. "Would you like me to come?" Her eyes flew to meet his. "I…" she lost herself in his gaze. "I mean, of course! The more the merrier," she recovered, taking a step back. She was determined not to let him see how much she personally wanted him to go. Robin gave her a little smile. "Then count me in."

"Good," Maria said, finding it impossible not to smile back. "Um, I'd better go ask your father now. Excuse me." Robin tipped his bowler hat. "You're excused." And she hurried off to the De Noir village, cheeks flushed. Robin was coming to Rome! This holiday was going to be absolutely wonderful!

Beloved reader,

Hello! Ponygirl7 here!

First off, thank you for reading the first [albeit short] installment of Roman Holiday! I may change the title, so don't become too attached to it. Let me know what you think so far; I will consider any ideas for future chapters, although I already have a vague idea of what will occur. Please review, and thank you once again!

Dutifully,

Ponygirl7