Maria was excused from any lessons that day, miss Heliotrope decided, mindful of the tiring events of the day before. Besides, she also wanted to discuss some matters concerning their marriage with Digweed. So Maria had the day off, thinking about what happened and wondering about their reception at the Denoir castle.
She missed Serena, since she had to set her loose in the woods after she used the trap to lure Robin to her. She laughed, remembering Robin hanging upside down in her trap. What a sight that had been and how good it had felt seeing him like that after everything he did and said to her. But luckily she got to see a different side of him after she had him convinced to help her. She wondered if perhaps, now that the curse had been lifted, they could become friends and maybe, just maybe he could show her around the forest. She'd have to remember to ask him later this evening.
Eventually it was time to start preparing for dinner at the Denoircastle. She wore one of Loveday's dresses, a beautifull forest green velvet dress. Uncle Benjamin and Maria got in the carriage and Digweed mounted the driver's seat. Marmaduke, Miss Heliotrope and Wrolfe waved them off. They were going to stay in the manor. Digweed also was to return after dropping them off. The ride to the Denoir castle was mostly silent. The occupants of the carriage were nervous about their impending arrival. Uncle Benjamin was nervous about seeing Loveday again, and on (previously) enemy territory. Maria was hoping her visit would be somewhat better than her last, seeing she ended up in the dungeons.
When they arrived at the gate, they were immediately given access to the courtyard, where their hosts stood waiting. Coeur Denoir looked nervous as well but Loveday looked radiant, beaming with happiness. Robin was nowhere in sight. Maria felt slightly disappointed at that. When they exited the carriage, Coeur Denoir immediately approached uncle Benjamin. "Welcome to the home of the Denoirs", he exclaimed, surprisingly enthusiastically shaking uncle Benjamins hand. He turned to Maria. "Welcome to you too, Moon princess. I hope that you will find this visit somewhat more comfortable than your last", he winked at his last statement and Maria couldn't help it but laugh at the way how he was trying to ease her worries. "Have no fear, lord Denoir, I have all but forgotten what happened last time and I am very much looking forward to this visit." Both Coeur Denoir en uncle Benjamin visibly relaxed slightly at that statement. Loveday then came forward to greet them. She hugged Maria tightly, but lingered whilst hugging uncle Benjamin. They gazed lovingly in each other's eyes, only to be interrupted be the rather loud arrival of Robin. He rushed into the courtyard followed by his ragtag band, only to be stopped in his tracks when he noticed their guest had already arrived. With some quick hand gestures, he send his men off and approached the group. "Sorry I'm late father, I had some unforeseen matters at hand" he explained to Coeur Denoir, glancing meaningfully at Maria. Coeur Denoir smiled and waved his apology away "No need to apologise, son, you are the heir of the Denoirs, you are going to have to become used to unforeseen circumstances." Robin flushed at his fathers praising words. Maria smiled, happy with their improved relationship.
Robin greeted uncle Benjamin and turned to Maria. He grasped her hand, and whilst smirking, placed a kiss on the back. "Good evening, princess. So pleased to see you again", he spoke with a decidedly posh accent. Maria stared at him wide eyed and burst into a fit of giggles. She quickly composed herself and curtsied, "The pleasure is all mine, master Denoir. And how pleasant it is, to discover you actually have manners". Robins grin widened at her remark. Not having released her hand, he tucked it in the crook of his arm and retorted, "Bad manners are also manners, and you do well to remember that". It was then they noticed the amused looks of the adults surrounding them, resulting in them slightly becoming flushed. "Well then, now that we are complete, I suggest we go to dinner", Coeur Denoir invitingly gestured towards the grand entrance.