Bonjour! This is another tentative chapter, as I haven't decided whether to continue the story but my writers block just flew out the window, so I said… "I'M FREE!" I was in the mood to write so, voila! I wrote this chapter to "Slipped Away" by Avril Levine, I think its very appropriate, so listen to it as you read! I'm thinking of including a playlist that would go with Moonacre eventually, so keep your eyes open for it!

Thanks so much to all who reviewed, especially WaterLily 1594. I know some of you think the romance is a tad bit rushed, so I will try to slow it down a little (though I slightly disagree), and I will TRY to write longer chapters. Ça va? Please review some more! Enjoy:)

Chapter 4:

I loved him.

Was that insane? What was I thinking? All the problems this would cause… But I couldn't find it within myself to care. Being so close to him skewed my judgment. I needed to keep my wits about me; otherwise I might do something I'd later regret. I continued to gaze into his beautiful, pained eyes, and I felt a little part of me break. I wouldn't see him again for two years at the very least. Robin would be seventeen and I fifteen. Oh, that was such a long time!

I wrapped my arms around him and pulled him into a hug, refusing to let go. Luckily, he did not even try to push me away. His strong arms snaked around my waist and held me closer, burying his face in my hair.

We stood like that for a long while, just holding each other. We didn't speak a word, but we said so much, more than we could ever out loud. That we would always be connected, no matter where we were and nothing could come between us. And even though I knew it was highly unlikely he felt the way I did, I allowed myself to pretend, just for a while…

We slowly pulled apart, both of us reluctant. The chill of the evening hung in the air. Robin traced the side of my face with his fingertips, oh-so-gently. He left a trail so warm I closed my eyes.

"Maria," he whispered. "Will you come back?"

I smiled sadly. "Of course," I answered. "I shall return for Loveday and Sir Benjamin's wedding. Ms. Heliotrope is leaving, and I cannot abandon her. She has done so much for me-"

"It's alright, princess. I understand." Robin took my hand in his. He looked earnestly at me, pleading. "But you must come back. Promise?" He smiled.

"I promise," I vowed, and then sighed. "Only two years…" I trailed off.

"Only two years," he agreed somewhat bitterly, shaking his dark curly locks.

"Will you miss me?" I teased.

"Miss you?" He laughed loudly. As he caught my hurt expression, he sobered, staring straight into my dark eyes. "Always."

I blushed and looked down. Robin always made me feel so vulnerable! It fascinated and frustrated me to no end, as I was not custom to feeling that way. "I will write," I said.

"As will I."

A lone bird cawed into the air, and I spun around quite startled. I searched the sky for the raven but the darkening sky made it impossible. Dusk? Already? How had our time flown away so quickly? I sighed deeply.

"I must go. Ms. Heliotrope is expecting me," I grimaced. Tears stung in my eyes, and I bit my lip as I said the words I had been long dreading.

"Goodbye, Robin," I whispered.

He pulled me into our final embrace. I would miss his arms around me more than I had ever thought possible. "Goodbye, Maria."

With that I turned and strode deeper into the woods, deeper into the brush. I did not look back. I thought his pained face would be too much for me, and would not break down, not now. I blinked away the remaining moisture in my eyes, vowing to myself I would not shed another tear. Not until they were ones of joy from my return home.

I wandered aimlessly, trusting my feet to take me safely to the Merryweather manor. Without fail, they did just that. I arrived at the front gate just as the first stars were peeking out from the heavens. Those twinkling lights restored my hope. I would be back. And perhaps some time in London would be welcome. My dresses were getting awfully small, and were a touch out of fashion. Yes, a shopping trip would be mandatory. I approached the gate and called out my presence.

The heavy iron groaned as it was lifted off the dirt, obviously protesting as best it could. I laughed at how similar I was to that poor gate. Following our duty, both of us were a little disappointed. I sighed, but then caught myself. I was determined to hold onto my newfound, and truthfully rather rare, stroke of optimism. I smiled and pushed through the gates. I strode up to the door and entered the gorgeous house.

Waiting for me in the parlor was Uncle Benjamin. He smiled when he saw me, but there was sadness in his dark eyes. I knew he had heard of my impending departure. He gestured for me to come to closer. I obliged and he rested his hands on my shoulders. His eyes looked gently into mine.

"You are so brave," he said. "To be so loyal. I admire you greatly for it; you have made me so proud. I shall miss you greatly. Don't forget that we love you here." He gestured behind him to where Marmaduke and Digweed had materialized. They nodded their heads solemnly in agreement. I knew that Moonacre Valley would always be my home, no matter where I was. This thought was greatly comforting.

I smiled at the three of them, putting all the love I had for all of them into a warm hug.

"I love you all," I said fondly.

Just then I heard frantic footsteps running down the stairs. I turned to see Ms. Heliotrope bumbling her way around with our large suitcases. Digweed ran to help her.

"Oh, thank you," she muttered, and then turned to me. "I already packed all your things dear. Are you ready?"

I bit my lip. "Yes, I am." I faced my friends. "Goodbye," I told them softly.

Digweed brought me my luggage and helped me into the carriage that waited outside. I scrambled very uncoordinatedly into the coach and settled down inside cramped space for our long journey. The walls were covered in wine-coloured imitation velvet, which was surprisingly scratchy and the seats were lumpy. Ms. Heliotrope climbed in noticeably more graceful than I. She shut the door behind her with unmistakable purpose.

But I didn't care. This was a new adventure I was prepared to meet head on. There would be no more whining or wallowing, for where did that get me? No, I was resolved to stay focused on the positive and look forward to my return. So let Ms. Heliotrope do what she wished. Let her torture me with needlepoint and painting. Let her give me huge textbooks to translate into French, or not let me play my beloved piano. I didn't care. I was ready.

So? Yes? No? Maybe so? Let me know! (Okay, that was a little on the lame side…. or a lot… désolé) please give me your opinions, so I know whether or not to continue. Also I am thinking of writing a story on The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or Peter Pan, and if you have any comments on that, tell me.

I realized that in my little introduction, I added in some French involuntarily… ya that happens sometimes, because I am fluent in French so it just does its own thing. I try really hard not to in the actual chapter, but its difficult, so I let go in the notes :) PLEASE REVIEW! because then I will love you forever and always :)