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Disclaimer: Trust me, I'd love it if I were Elizabeth Gouge. But I'm not, and there's nothing to be done about it.
Everything around me felt a bit surreal, as if I were in a dream or moving underwater. My black dress trailed behind me, red roses clutched in my hands. Next to me, Maria walked silently, her face grim.
The priest was saying a sermon but I wasn't listening. I didn't want to listen. All I could see was the black casket that I knew held my father. The priest motioned for Maria and me and we stepped forward, dropping one of our roses into the hole and onto the black casket. We returned to our places next to Miss Heliotrope and I clasped my fingerless gloved hands together.
I felt my neck prickling as if somebody were watching me and I whipped around. There was a boy there, or maybe he was a young man, leaning against a pillar. He was dressed in all black with a black strip over his nose, hiding his features. His dark eyes pierced me for a second before I turned around and continued to look at the casket. By the next time I had turned, he was no longer there. Strangely enough, he had seemed familiar.
"C'mon Alice," said Maria quietly, taking my hand and giving it a squeeze. As Miss Heliotrope, Maria and I went to the attorney's office, my mind wandered to the last time I had spoken with father. But we hadn't really spoken to each other that last night. It had been a yelling fight.
*Flashback*
I had been sitting in my room on my favorite window seat, reading the book on my lap and glancing outside occasionally at the busy streets of London.
My father came inside then, coming to say good bye. He was going on a trip, which wasn't all that surprising since he was a Colonel in the regiment.
"Now Alice," he said, gray eyes twinkling. "Take care of Maria and keep an eye on Miss Heliotrope, make sure she doesn't have any more fainting spells."
He leaned in and kissed me on the head before glancing down at my book: Tales of Children and the Home by the Brothers Grimm. The twinkle in his eye vanished and his face turned red.
"What have I told you, Alice?" he said, his voice shaking slightly. "Fairy tales? For Christ's sake, you're 15 years old! Not five. It's time you stop reading such rubbish."
"But father," I started, but stopped abruptly as my father ripped my book from my arms.
"When I get back, I want all of your fairy tale books to be gone," he said angrily before marching out of the room with my book.
As soon as he was gone, I took my pillow and screamed as loud and hard as I could into it.
*End Flashback*
Finally reaching the attorney's office and sitting down, it was too my horror that I finally realized that Maria and me were left absolutely penniless after the attorney finished reading father's will.
"He lost it all?" Miss Heliotrope stuttered. "Including the house?"
"No," said Maria, obviously distressed. I felt so sorry for her; she was only 13 and had had a very protected life. "No, papa couldn't of have been in London. When he wrote to me and Alice and said he was coming home he wouldn't of arrived and not…"
She broke off, looking down. I wrapped an arm around her shoulders, stroking her reddish hair but she shook me off.
"Well, your father did leave you these books," the attorney said. He took a large book and then a smaller, worn book. "This one is for both you," he said, handing Maria the large and dusty book. "And this one is for Alice." He handed me the book and I recognized it at once. It was my Brothers Grimm fairy tale book; the one father had taken from me before he left.
"The Ancient Chronicles of Moonacre Valley," Maria read and I was surprised; I knew Moonacre was where our uncle Benjamin lived. When I had been 10 years old I had been sent to live with Uncle Benjamin for a couple of months. He was nice, if not a bit somber and antisocial. I had fallen in love with Moonacre on the first day I stepped foot on it.
Later that night, I was sitting in my room, where Miss Heliotrope had left me to pack my belongings. I could hear Maria and Miss Heliotrope talking in Maria's room, across the hall from mine.
In my trunk, I packed my books and clothes. I wasn't a vain girl, or so Miss Heliotrope told me, so I didn't own ay makeup. As I pulled on my white nightgown, I took my hair out of its braid.
My hair wasn't reddish like Maria's and father's were, instead it was light brown, though it was wavy/curly like Maria's. My eyes were a silvery blue, like Maria's silver eyes. My hair was much longer than Maria's, whose was collarbone length, unlike my nearly thigh length hair. I had never known what to do with my hair, so I had just let it grow. Now, I could sit on it if I wanted to.
I was just about to slip into bed when someone knocked on my door.
"Come in," I said clearly, sitting up in my bed. Maria came into my room, one arm clutching the book that father had left us.
"I want to read it, Alice," she said softly, sitting on my bed. "But it's your book too."
"Okay," I said, facing her as we both got comfortable on my bed. "Read it out loud."
She opened the book like it was a treasure beyond money, smoothing down the pages before she began to read.
"Once upon a perfect time, many hundreds of years ago" Maria began. "When the old magic clung to Moonacre Valley, there was a young woman whose skin gleamed as pale as a star and whose heart was as pure as moonlight. Such was her bravery, and goodness, she was beloved by Nature, as if she were its own daughter. One fateful night, the moon blessed her with an extraordinary gift that would change the magic of the valley forever: the moon pearls. From that day forth, she was known as the Moon Princess"
I couldn't help but sit there, fascinated. It was like a fairytale straight out of one of my fairytale books, and Maria's voice was lovely, reading strong and clear. But the next paragraph completely jolted me.
"Two ancient families lived in harmony at the edge of the valley, sharing nature's bounty. Daughter of the Du Noir clan, the Moon Princess fell deeply in love and was to be married to Sir Wrolf Merryweather. Her father, Sir William Du Noir, blessed the union by presenting the couple with a rare, black lion."
Du Noir? I had heard that last name before... but wait, wasn't that Robin's last name? Robin was a boy whom I had met in the forest. He and I had become friends of a sort during my stay at the Moonacre Valley. Though one day, he never met me. We always met at an old oak tree in the forest, but he never came. I hadn't seen him since, so I had forgotten.
"In turn, Sir Wrolf gave his bride a unicorn, lured from the wild, white-horses of the sea. Her heart overflowing with happiness, the Moon Princess revealed the magical pearls to both families. Legend told of their unique power, so strong the pearls would grant every wish, both good and evil."
Suddenly, Maria closed the book with a snap, like she had seen something on the pages that had surprised or shocked her.
"You should get to bed," I told her softly. "We have a long carriage ride tomorrow, and something tells me you won't be getting much sleep on the carriage."
Maria nodded and stood up, tucking the book under her arm. As she reached my door, she turned and looked at me. It seemed like she was fighting with herself to ask me something but then it was gone and she merely said "Goodnight," before leaving.
Something was troubling her, I could tell. I just hoped that she wouldn't lose any sleep over the problem. That's what tended to happen to me; if I had a problem bothering me, I wouldn't tell anybody, instead keeping it to myself. The result was not being able to sleep, a complete loss of appetite, retreating into a moody silence and snapping at anybody who tried to talk to me. In other words, acting like a complete brat.
That morning, dressing in a ruby red traveling dress, I couldn't help but feel a bit happy. I was going back to Moonacre Valley, the place I had fallen in love with so many years ago. My father and I had never had the best of relationships, and I was always consumed with jealousy because father preferred Maria.
I had my traveling bag with me, in which I had stored my fairytale book and my leather bound diary. I didn't really use it as a dairy though; it was more like a place where I could draw and write stories. I always kept it hidden though; it made me feel awfully childish that at fifteen I still dreamed I could be more than just a housewife.
I met Maria downstairs and she was wearing a dress in the exact same style as mine, but hers was a pretty shade of blue.
Maria went in front of me and had said goodbye to all of the staff. While I was saying goodbye to the staff, I heard a faintly familiar voice say, "You'll be Miss Maria Merryweather then."
I turned to see a man with a portly belly and a ragged coat with a large hat.
"Digweed!" I cried happily.
"Miss Alice," he said, grinning widely and showing his yellowing teeth. "Haven't seen you since you were this tall." He made a mark with his hand I blushed, laughing.
I was rather tall for a fifteen year old girl, around 5'7. Most girls my age were small, white and delicate, with tiny feet and hands. Unfortunately, my feet weren't small though they wouldn't be considered big either. Maria had perfectly tiny feet, of which she was very proud of.
Suddenly, Miss Heliotrope bustled out, suitcases under her arm. I started to silently pray she wasn't going to do what I thought she was going to do. It wasn't that I didn't love Miss Heliotrope, it's that Uncle Benjamin wouldn't be able to stay around the dear woman for more than two minutes; she never shut her mouth.
"My man! Quick!" she cried, and Digweed hurriedly rushed to her, taking her bags from her.
"Miss Heliotrope," said Maria, astounded.
"Alice, Maria," she said, rather formally for someone who had been around since Maria had been born. "When your dear mother died I promised her faithfully that I would care for you two. So I'm not going to abandon you now. If you two are going to move with your uncle, even if it is in the countryside, then I will be with you."
With that said, she grasped Maria's and my arm and marched us to the carriage. I didn't know why Miss Heliotrope and Maria detested the country so much, it really was much better than the concrete, polluted streets of London.
When Miss Heliotrope tried to shuffle me inside the carriage, I quickly backed away. I would not be able to survive so many hours in a coach. I was extremely claustrophobic and even staying inside a house for too long made my nerves all jittery.
"I think I'd rather sit with Digweed," I said, my voice shaking.
"Don't be foolish girl, it isn't proper for a lady to sit out with the coachman," Miss Heliotrope said briskly, but she stopped upon seeing my panicked expression.
"I can't go inside the coach," I said and I swallowed loudly. Miss Heliotrope seemed to suddenly remember why I never went into a coach for a long drive.
"All right dear," she said, but her face was disapproving. "But even the slightest draft and you are inside this coach. You will not be getting a cold on my hands."
Maria looked annoyed that I was let to sit with the driver but she followed Miss Heliotrope inside. I climbed up onto the seat and was joined later by Digweed.
As we started to slowly make our way out of London and to the west, I said lowly, so Maria and Miss Heliotrope couldn't hear, "How is Uncle Benjamin?"
"Bad," Digweed whispered back, catching my hint about Maria and Miss Heliotrope. "Getting more sombre and bitter every year."
"How is he taking my father's death?" I asked.
"Like as if it never happened. Completely ignoring it," he told me and I sighed before leaning back and opening my fairytale book.
It was a bit funny really, hearing Maria and Miss Heliotrope shriek whenever we drove over a rut in the road or a branch smacked against the side of the carriage. I looked into the carriage through a little window near my back to see Maria and Miss Heliotrope doing what they called 'classical French needlepoint' but to which I secretly called 'a pain in my foot'. I can't even sow my name on a sample, something which seemed to irk Miss Heliotrope.
I sighed in relief when I saw the gate to Moonacre Valley, though it would at least be another hour till we reached Moonacre Manor. Digweed got off with the keys in hand and started to unlock the gate, taking an awfully long time with his large, fumbling hands.
"What's happening?" Maria asked. "Have we arrived?" She stuck her head out of the coach window, French needlework still in hand.
"Is he deaf or something?" Miss Heliotrope asked, a bit of a mockery in her tone. "The man is obviously a half wit."
Maria laughed but I didn't; sure, Digweed wasn't the smartest of men, but he was a kind man. Suddenly, I felt myself grabbed from behind. Screams from Maria and Miss Heliotrope hinted that something similar was happening to them.
The boy's hands seemed to be searching around my neck, which confused me.
"Check the old one!"
I was pulled back even further, till I was almost on top of the coach. I was breathing hard, as it was difficult to breath through the male's hands on my neck.
I did the only thing I could think of. On my finger I was wearing a ring of roughly cut diamond. It was sharp, so I rarely wore it for fear that I would hurt someone or ripped my dress.
I drew my ringed finger down the boy's hand and he yelped, withdrawing his hand though his other still clutched at my neck. I was able to turn around and get a good look at the boy.
His hair was curly from what I could see under his black bowler hat and he wore a black strip over his nose. Just like the boy I had seen from the funeral. But then, something seemed to click as I looked into his dark eyes.
"Robin?" I asked, disbelieving. I saw his eyes widen and he looked me over, as if searching for clues as to who I were.
"Alice?"
It was barely whispered, and the only way I had heard it was because he was so close to me. Looking over his shoulder, I saw another boy in black grabbing onto Maria, though at that moment it seemed like Maria's French needlepoint came useful as he drew back with a cry, a slash on his forearm.
Miss Heliotrope had just beaten another boy in black back with her parasol. At that moment, Digweed hurried over and jumped on the coach and the horses surged forward. Robin and the boy who had been on top of the coach slipped off and fell to the ground.
We went through the gate and I pulled a chain that hung overhead hard, making the gate shut close just as the three boys reached the gate. Looking back, I saw Robin yelling.
"Was that Robin?" I asked quietly.
"Yes, him and his team," affirmed Digweed. "Things have changed since you left, Alice. Robin no longer is the boy you knew; instead he is now his father's son."
I nodded sadly but accepted it. One thing I knew was that people and things changed. A good example of this was Uncle Benjamin.
"Who were they? What did they want?" I heard Maria say, her voice frightened.
"Don't worry Maria," Miss Heliotrope assured her. "I'm sure Sir Benjamin will protect us."
When we finally reached Moonacre Manor, I was shocked. The house had, five years ago, been rather old but now it was ridiculous. It seemed like the very house was about to fall apart.
"Alice," Digweed said, offering me his hand. I took it and stepped down from the driver's seat.
"Ladies," said Digweed, now opening the coach doors.
As Miss Heliotrope and Maria stepped out of the coach, I noticed a foreboding silhouette in the front door. I didn't need to see his face to know who he was, even as his voice rung out.
"Welcome to Moonacre Manor," Uncle Benjamin said, walking closer to us.
"Uncle Benjamin," I said, smiling. Uncle Benjamin turned to me and smiled for a second, though then the smile was gone as he turned to face Miss Heliotrope and Maria.
"Unfortunate circumstances. But there we are. Nothing to be done."
"I'm pleased to meet you, uncle," said Maria, holding out her hand. Uncle Benjamin frowned at it for a second before looking at Maria's governess. "Miss Heliotrope."
"Oh Sir Benjamin, what a journey we've had," panted Miss Heliotrope. "Not one hour from this very door we were accosted by a bunch of ruffians and—"
"Madame, please," Uncle Benjamin cut in, a bit irritably. "I'll hear your fascinating story some other time, if I may."
Then he turned and walked back inside, leaving Miss Heliotrope gaping after him like a goldfish out of water.
I frowned. Uncle Benjamin had never before behaved like this or, at least, not during my stay. Digweed must of have been right.
We walked into the sitting room, where we found a great big black dog with red eyes. He growled before barking but I ignored this. I knew Wrolf was a great dog. Suddenly, Wrolf bounded towards us and Miss Heliotrope shrieked while Maria took several steps back.
Wrolf flew at me and knocked me over before licking my face.
"Get off me Wrolf," I said sternly though I smiled and Wrolf barked before getting off me and trotting back faithfully to sit next to Uncle Benjamin. I got up ad brushed myself off.
"Alice, you can go to your room if you want to," Uncle Benjamin said. "I trust you want the one you had last time you were here."
"Thank you Uncle," I said happily before taking my traveling bag and one of my smaller bags of luggage and going up into the tower, hearing Uncle Benjamin introduce Maria and Miss Heliotrope to Wrolf.
There were two small doors in the tower and I went to the bigger of the two.
Opening the door, I saw my old room greeting me. It was half of the tower, a wall separating the other half and making another room on the other side of the wall, though there was a door that connected them.
The walls were painted to look like a forest, with dark wood floor under my feet and a glass roof. I had been in the other room before, which was ocean themed and though the ceiling wasn't made of glass like mine, it was painted to match the stars.
I set down my bags and sat down on the bed heavily. I suddenly realised I was completely exhausted from the travelling and only managed to put my white nightgown on and fall onto my bed before my eyes closed by themselves, my brown hair still in a braid.
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