Chapter 20:

Maria forced her eyes open and sighed. If she was to meet Robin for breakfast, she would have to get up now. She nibbled on her cookies and milk before drinking some of her tea. Her stomach all the while spinning from embarrassment, she could only imagine Marmaduke's reaction. She couldn't bear the thought of facing him. Maria thought of the night's events as she dressed and cleaned herself up.

And William! His nerve to be so forwards with me, and in my own room….Maria huffed with indignation as she braided her hair. What about Robin? A voice whispered in her head. Well—well of course he wasn't so decent either… Sneaking into my room…
But despite what she told herself, a part of Maria's heart didn't blame Robin at all. He had been kind, and dare she say it, even gentlemanly—Well if sneaking into a lady's room is ever a gentlemanly thing to do, she scoffed at herself.
She sounded ridiculous. She knew Ms. Heliotrope and Watson would find that far from respectable. Yet, nonetheless Maria trusted Robin. Of course he only wanted to make sure I was alright, as a good friend would.
Her mind conjured up Robin, his sleepy smile, his raspy voice in the morning. Her face flushed red and butterflies fluttered in her stomach. And unlike William, Robin was quite respectful. After all he didn't try to kiss me…
At that thought Maria felt her heart sink a bit. She looked into the mirror. She was about to be 17 in a few weeks, but unlike Jane or even Cat, she didn't have the full bosom, or pink and round cheeks. Maria was still pale, her red hair and freckles were the only color in her face. Maria wondered if Robin really did think she was no longer a child.
Maria scolded herself for such thoughts. Maria Merryweather you will snap out of this foolishness this instance! Maria swung her turquoise skirts behind her and marched down to the hall. Her head held high, she was determined not to give Robin anymore thoughts.

"Good Morning uncle," she greeted Sir Benjamin. He was sitting in the parlor drinking some coffee. His eyes were red and struggled to remain open. Sir Benjamin absentmindedly waved his hand to her in greeting.
Wrolf was curled at his feet, sleeping soundly away. It seemed he was the only one who had gotten any sleep that night.

The morning air stung her eyes and she shivered from the cold. She found Robin napping beneath a tree. His bowler hat was placed over his eyes, and his scarf was wrapped snug around his neck. There was a tear in his leather jacket from the poker she attacked him with.

Maria quietly stepped towards him. She reached for his head, planning to take his bowler hat. She was so focused on the hat, Maria failed to see Robin's smirk beneath the brim. He reached out and grabbed her ankle. Maria yelled and tried to step back, but with her foot still trapped, she fell on her bottom.

"Robin you oaf!"

"Don't go about stealing people's things, especially my hat," he joked.

Robin jumped to his feet and helped Maria up.

"How are you doing? Feeling better?" He asked Maria.

"Much better, though a certain birdbrain almost got me into trouble a few times."

Robin laughed. "I simply wanted to make sure you were alright. I did not mean to stay so late, promise. I was simply tired, closed my eyes for a bit, and somehow fell asleep. Besides, that William guy visited you too!"

Maria stopped herself from laughing, she didn't want him to think that wasn't a serious business. "Both of you were at fault. And as far as Marmaduke's concerned, only you were in my room. Though, in all seriousness, thank you Robin, for keeping me company."

Robin smiled and looked away. He plucked a few leaves from the low hanging branches, "it was nothing."

Maria looked around the gardens and played with her braided hair, "Why did you want to see me?"

Robin reached behind the tree and brought out a bundle of wooden swords in various sizes and lengths. "They're your uncle's. We both agree if you're going to go around attacking people with metal sticks, you may as well know how to use one."

Robin handed her a wooden broadsword, small and light enough for her to first learn on.

"This, this is ridiculous! I can't fight in these skirts! And what will Ms. Heliotrope think!"

"Well doubt the London fashion will be changing anytime soon, and I doubt proper society's thoughts of you will parry a strike or defend you from the monster."

Maria shook her head. Robin was right.

"Now, the first thing to know is stance. Give me your best fighting stance," he commanded.

Maria furrowed her brow and tried to recall anything she knew. She opened her stance, and bent at the knees. Maria felt like a fool.

Robin circled around her. He tapped Maria behind her knee. Her leg buckled and she fell to the ground on all fours.

"What was that for?" Maria yelled.

"To show you what you shouldn't do," Robin chuckled and helped her up. "Now, bend your knees. It'll give you the strength and flexibility to move without collapsing under you." Robin instructed her how to place her feet in order to lunge, side step, and step back.

"Now for the actual sword." Robin handed her a wooden one. "Always keep your hand below the hilt."

Maria took it in her hand and went into a stance. Just as easily, Robin swatted her sword away to the ground.

"I won't get any better if you keep swiping things from me," Maria scowled.

"You won't get any better with that hold. Don't use your wrist. The strength must come from your arm.
"Now let's start slowly, lunge at me,"

Maria lunged forwards with the sword held out in front. Robin stepped to the side and smacked it away. This time the sword didn't fly out of her hand, though her wrist stung.

"Better," Robin said.

Everything about fighting went against her basic principles of acting like a lady. A few times she even stepped on her skirts and almost fell. Robin was quick to steady her. She was both annoyed and impressed with Robin's reflexes. She wished he were fighting in floor length skirts.

"Its no wonder your society wants ladies to get with men so quick in life. With that attire you could never do anything yourself."

"Robin De Noir I'll have you know I've been perfectly capacle in my dresses. I even saved Moonacre and escaped from your dungeons."

"Maria, you ran around the castle in your undergarments to escape from us," Robin said with a laugh. "I hardly consider that capable."

Maria felt her cheeks burn and she smacked Robin's side with the sword. He feinted pain and doubled over. Worried Maria ran to him, only for him to wrap her in his arms and tickle her sides.

"Birdboy, let me go this instance!" Maria squealed in between laughter.

"Alright were even. Lets keep practicing," Robin said handing her back her sword. Maria and Robin practiced through the morning. He instructed her how to dodge, look for opening spots, and attack. Despite his help, she still felt clumsy and awkward.

As the sun continued to rise, one by one their friends joined them.

"Robin can I learn too?" Cat ran up to them and stood by Maria. She had always playfully fought against her cousins, but they went easy on her, knowing she had no experience with a sword. She couldn't wait to learn a thing or two and surprise them when she went back to Spain. Robin handed her a sword and reviewed all that he taught Maria.

Jane sat on a bench next to Lizzy, she wasn't sure her leg could handle sword fighting. Lizzy was focused on the practice, fidgeting in her seat as she cheered Maria and Cat on.

"Do you want to learn how to fight too?" Henry asked Lizzy. David and Richard were leaning against a tree watching Robin teach the girls.

Lizzy laughed nervously. "I don't know about that. I don't think it's proper and I'll look ridiculous."

"You're in the countryside, things are different here. Besides, I would think after your encounter in the tunnels you'd want to learn some basic defense."

Lizzy bit her lip. Henry was right. Looking ridiculous with a fighting chance was much better than dying in a proper fashion.

Jane nudged Lizzy forwards. "Go! I'm not quite up for it, but then you three can teach me later."

"Alright, just a bit."

Henry gathered two swords and joined Robin. He worked to help Lizzy catch up to Cat and Maria.
Lizzy was burning with embarrassment. She wished she was a quick learner like Cat. Despite her determination, she couldn't loosen up or move as nimbly as the other two. Plus her bustled gown was quite restraining and did not let Lizzy take a wide defensive stance. At the library, she learned how diligent and clever Henry was. She didn't want him to think her too slow or unable to learn how to fight.
Henry didn't mind though, he liked the excuse to spend more time with her.

"What type of sword fighting is that?" Asked William as he joined them. He was followed by Bast.

Robin ignored his comment. "Just making sure they know how defend themselves should they need it."

"Maria won't need to defend herself. She's a proper lady. Besides, once she's courted and has a man by her side, she will always be safe and well guarded."

Maria fought against all urge to retort. "You never know what to expect. After all I can't always expect to have someone to defend me."

William studied Robin, "when you have a worthy man by your side, that will never be a concern."

Robin glared at William. Sensing the tension between the two, Bast quickly cut in, "I have to say Maria and Robin have a good point. My mother always did say an education would help anyone in their time of need. I'm sure the same can be said about defense."

"Well then let me teach you probably," William stepped in between Maria and Robin. "Doubt Robin here has had any proper training."

"May not be proper but it'll sure beat you any day."

"Alright show me!"

Wide-eyed Maria handed William her sword and went to sit by Jane. Interested in the match, the boys all surrounded their two friends and the girls joined Jane by the bench.

"Robin, don't take it personally, but I got to cheer oldest mate," Bast chimed.

"I wouldn't expect any less!"

"What are those two oafs doing? Here I thought I was going to be the one learning how to fight," Maria commented crossing her arms.

Jane cleared her throat and stood up. In her best Mrs. Watson impression she said, "ladies, what you all see here is two gentleman fighting for the heart of a girl—"

"Oh please," Maria scoffed.

"Watch it that's my mother you're mocking," Bast said with a laugh.

Jane ignored Maria and turning to Bast, she bowed deeply and said, "with utmost respect may I continue?"

"You may," Bast returned the bow.

Jane thanked him and continued, "at the moment the two gentlemen are displaying their talent in fighting—with the hope of being said lady's knight in shining armor."

The two were engaged in an intense battle of swords when Maria's family came down to inform them breakfast was ready. Sir Benjamin shook his head.

"What on earth is going on here?" he said. Sir Benjamin was carrying Albert and followed by Loveday and Ms. Heliotrope.

Out of breath, the two stopped fighting.

"Just showing Robin how a proper sword fight is done," William said.

"And I'm showing William how to win a sword fight, outside the protection of school rules."

"Well neither are correct, let me show you," Sir Benjamin handed Albert to Loveday and took a sword.

"Jane, are you going to explain what is going on now?" Maria asked.

Jane shrugged her shoulders.

Bast came in, "what you see here now, is a display no longer to win a woman's affection, but to best one another. Establish who the king is—"

"Aha!" Sir Benjamin yelled and raised his sword in victory. Robin was cradling his arm and William his leg.

"I am still victorious. Now for breakfast!"

Sir Benjamin marched up to Loveday and planted a kiss on her lips and another on Albert's forehead. Taking her arm, he led them back to the manor. The rest followed along. William and Robin wore a scowl, disbelief at having been defeated so quickly by an older man.

By the manor they found Digweed speaking the Mr. De Noir. He was on his horse and behind him was carriage.
"Coeur! What brings you here?" Greeted Sir Benjamin.

"Hello Benjamin, good morning everyone. The Harrison's were curious about the manor and I decided to bring them here. I hope that's not a problem."

"Not at all. Come on in."

The Harrisons unmounted from the carriage and after some proper introductions, were all seated around the dinning table.

"We're sorry about your ship," Loveday said.

"Thank you. It fell under unfortunate circumstances. I just wish I had better news for the families," Mr. Harrison responded.

"Does this happened often?" Asked Lizzy.

"No fortunately not, but when it does, it weighs heavily on all."

Digweed soon came out and served the food around the table. Maria and her friends found themselves mostly quiet, listening to the adults' conversations. David, Richard, Henry, and Bast spoke among themselves, telling stories and jokes. William and Robin were silent. They watched each other, looking for opportunities to best one another. The ladies of the table spoke excitedly of Ms. Heliotropes wedding, though Mrs. Harrison would sneak glances of apprehension towards Maria.

"Lizzy wake up!" Cat scolded. She smacked the napkin she was folding in Lizzy's face.

Lizzy's head shot up, "I'm awake I'm awake!"

"At this rate you might as well go to sleep," Jane observed. Soon after breakfast, the Harrisons and De Noirs left back to the castle and the Merryweather household got to work on preparations for the wedding.

"What were you doing that kept you up so late?" Maria asked.

"Nothing I was at the library reading. We were wrong about Sir Benjamin, he didn't throw his books away, he just hid them."

"How did you find this out?"

"I didn't, Henry did. He was in the library when I went in."

"Ah so that's why you stayed up late, reading with Henry," Maria teased.

Before Lizzy could defend herself, Loveday came into the room. "Maria can I talk to you for a second," Loveday interrupted.

Maria followed Loveday outside the piano room.

"I couldn't help but notice the blockade was right at the entrance of the secret tunnel. And when your friends were injured, it was the same day you took them to see the dwelling. Is everything alright?"

"Don't worry about it, Loveday. I'm taking care of everything."

"Maria, I may not be the Moon Princess anymore but my sense of magic is not completely gone. Please tell me what's going on? I've had this terrible feeling."

Maria wrinkled her brow. "The monster that attacked Luke, its here."

"No! That can't be possible!"

"It chased us through the tunnels to your dwelling. That's when it attacked Jane." Maria looked down to the floor, "it could've killed us."

"If that's the case we must tell my father and Benjamin—"

"No! They'll cancel the wedding."

"Maria! The wedding is the least of our concerns! Plenty of people use the forest, what if one of them were to get hurt."

Maria pursed her mouth. She hadn't thought of that before.

"Right now we need to do what's best for everyone. I'm just thankful my father and the Harrisons came by carriage. Just imagine if they went back through the forest."

"Robin and his friends know, I'm sure they would've done their best to avoid the forest," Maria muttered.

"Ah so that explains all the visits. Does that mean you and my dear brother are now on speaking terms?" Loveday bit her lip with a smile.

"No! We're simply amicable. Don't go about getting any ideas."

"Yes well… now that Williams in the picture, I can see it'll be much harder for you to decide. He is handsome, and I'll admit, compared to Robin, a bit more refined. Though did you see how brave and strong your uncle was? I certainly got lucky. Maybe now I can convince him to have another child..."

"Loveday! That's my uncle!"

Loveday giggled. "Yes he is and I am quite thankful you brought us together. Don't let a similar story pull you and Robin apart though. Just think of how handsome your babies will be."

Maria gawked. Before she could say another word Loveday took her by the hand and led her to her uncle's study. Sir Benjamin was reading a paper with Albert on his lap. Albert was entertained with a feather on an unused quill.

"Benjamin, we have a serious matter to discuss, can we talk to you for a moment?"

"Yes I already know, people have gone missing."

"Wait what?" Maria asked rushing to his desk. "Who's gone missing?"

"Well we're not too certain, but Coeur took me aside just before leaving. Seems a few of the town drunks and have gone missing. They think David may have been involved."

"No! Why would he be involved?"

"Appears one of the missing people was engaged to his sister. David had shown his displeasure multiple times and even got caught in a quarrel with him."

"David would do no such thing!"

Sir Benjamin just shook his head. "You can't be certain of that. Coeur's done his best to keep the deputies from arresting David. But recently he hasn't been home and it's becoming increasingly difficult to find an alibi."

"It's not David. Maria do you want to tell him what's happened?" Loveday took Albert from Benjamin's lap as Maria began her story.

Sir Benjamin clenched his jaw and felt his face turn red. "Maria Merryweather! Why did you not tell me this earlier?"

"I didn't want to alarm anyone, or have Ms. Heliotrope's wedding canceled."

"Its too late to cancel the wedding but had I known earlier we could've made adequate preparations and warned many not to go into the forest!"

Maria looked down to her feet.

Sir Benjamin stood and paced the room. "Why—No how in God's name did that thing get here? And how could it have kidnapped so many without being noticed? We would've heard word about it by now."

Sir Benjamin called the house together in the parlor. He paced the floor as he waited for the ladies and the two men to settle in.
"Now it has come to my attention," he said as he reached one end of the room. "That there is a monster in Moonacre." Sir Benjamin finished at the other side of the room. Throughout his explanation, he continued to pace back and forth. The inhabitants doing no more than follow him with their heads, although Ms. Heliotrope occasionally interrupted him with a 'gasp' or 'good heavens'.

"Marmaduke, do you have any idea what this thing could be?"

"Afraid not. It's been too long since magical creatures roamed the lands."

"I haven't been able to find much information either. Its description doesn't seem to match those in the books," Jane added.

Arrangements were made so that the wedding's reception would be held indoors in the ballroom. Benjamin and Digweed got to work right away. The Merryweather ballroom hadn't been used in a very long time and required many immediate repairs.

By the end of the day, Sir Benjamin and Loveday, accompanied by Wrolf, made their way to the De Noir Castle. In a private meeting, they told Mr. De Noir about Maria's incident and worked to increase the safety of the guests. Word was also sent out to Silverydew and the Moonacre Port, warning of recent disappearances and to stay away from the forest.

Maria woke up to a bright day. The birds outside her window chirped a summer song. It was the day of the wedding and Maria was excited to help Ms. Heliotrope get ready. With one of Marmaduke's cookies in her mouth, Maria ran down the hall and towards Ms. Heliotrope's door. She knocked on it, teetering on her toes with excitement.

"Come in!" Ms. Heliotrope called. She was still in her night dress and sitting in her vanity chair, drinking a cup of tea.

"Good morning Ms. Heliotrope, ready for your big day?"

"I'm not quite sure Maria. It's all come up so soon."

Maria placed a kiss on Ms. Heliotrope's cheek. "It'll be fine. You're going to be the happiest woman in Moonacre. Let's get you ready."

Ms. Heliotrope thought it was nonsense that Maria was helping her get ready, but once Loveday came to join them, she shushed Ms. Heliotrope and told her to enjoy her day. Together, Maria and Loveday fixed Ms. Heliotrope's hair into an ornate updo. Although she didn't want any such jewels or pearls in her fair, Maria convinced her to allow them to intertwine small white flowers. Next was the dress. Ms. Heliotrope felt white was too bold at her age and instead wore a pale purple hooped dress with long sleeves. The neckline was modest and decorated with white lace. The dress' trim was embroidered with white flowers and atop of her updo sat a dark blue hat with white flowers and lace.

"Maria, Loveday, I—I am not sure I can do this."

"Why not?" asked Maria.

"I don't think I'm ready. I've been a governess for so long. Can I be a good wife?"

Loveday laughed and gave Ms Heliotrope a hug. "Ms. Heliotrope, no amount of time will ever prepare you for marriage. I knew Benjamin for much longer than you've known Digweed, and still I discover new things about him."

"But what if we're unhappy. Two old people set in their ways, can we truly adjust to one another? Oh good heavens what was I thinking agreeing to such a thing!"

"Ms. Heliotrope, you are a strong woman. One who was capable of raising me practically like a single mother." Maria took Ms. Heliotrope's hand in hers and continued, "You gave me all that I ever wanted and made me feel as if I never lost a mother. Digweed is incredibly lucky to have you. He knows that. I know he will do all in his power to make you happy. Besides, you will always have us here."

Ms. Heliotrope fanned away the tears in her eyes. She didn't want to ruin her look. "Thank you," she said squeezing Maria's hand.

"I bought this at the seaport when I went with the girls, I hope you like it." Maria handed her a small box with a red bow. Inside was a beautiful golden necklace with a heliotrope flower pendant. The flower was lined with blue crystals.

"Oh Maria it's beautiful! You shouldn't have!" Ms. Heliotrope said blushing red. The tears now welling in her eyes.

"Nonsense Ms. Heliotrope! I'm sure Maria was more than happy too," Loveday brushed of her comment.

With a beaming smile, Maria placed the necklace around Ms. Heliotrope's neck. Ms. Heliotrope looked beautiful. There was a new life in her eyes. Kissing her check and hugging her tightly, Maria ran to her room to get ready.

Maria changed into a teal hooped skirt with short puffy sleeves. The scooped neckline ended in a heart shaped point with a blossoming white flower at the center. She styled the top half of her hair into a chignon and added a white flower to the side of it. Applying some light powder and make up to erase any evidence of exhaustion, she pinched her cheeks and made her way downstairs. Her friends were sitting in the piano room excited about the wedding. Cat in particular was looking forwards to meeting more of the De Noirs, wondering if they were all as roguish as Robin's friends.
Lizzy wore a blue bustled gown that had short sleeves which hung off her shoulders. Her hair was styled into a side bun. Cat's hair was in a braided waterfall with lose curls that framed her face. She wore a dark purple hooped skirt with a low cut neckline and black lace at the trim. Jane's hair was in a curled plait updo. Her face was framed by lose blonde ringlets. She wore a pink long-sleeved gown that hung off her shoulders.

With the household dressed and ready, they mounted the carriage and made their way to Silverydew for the ceremonial church. Sir Benjamin had to man the carriage since Digweed had gone off earlier to ensure the preparations were ready.
The girls giggled as Maria took Ms. Heliotrope's hand to stop her from fidgeting. She would continuously readjust her hat, or place her hands on her mouth. The only thing stopping her from biting her nails were her gloves.

"Ms. Heliotrope, you look beautiful. Things will go smoothly, don't worry," Jane tried to reassure her.

"Oh dear girls, you just don't understand. What is a lady of my age doing with a wedding?"

"Ms. Heliotrope, we are all happy for you. You deserve every bit of happiness no matter your age," Maria said.

Outside the church, Ms. Heliotrope greeted their guests. Some of Ms. Heliotrope's friends and distant relatives from London were there. Ms. Heliotrope's friends were also governess and cried out with joy at seeing their old friend. Maria had only met them a few times, choosing to stay home with the maids when Ms. Heliotrope would go out with them. Though they were a nice set of ladies, they had a knack for gossip and holding conversations Maria found boring.

Inside the church the girls rushed to the front isle. Digweed stood by the altar with his hat in his hands. He was smartly dressed in a nice black suite and polished shoes. A look of disbelief was in his eyes as he searched the room, looking for Ms. Heliotrope.

The girls too searched the room. The Harrisons sat in the back. The De Noir boys were seated before them. They were dressed in suits. Robin's eyes were only on Maria. William, who happened to sit behind Robin, tossed her a wink. She bit her lips to stop herself from smiling and returned her attention to the front.

The ceremony was small and private, just as Ms. Heliotrope had wished it.

Back at the Merryweather Manor, the guests were treated to a delicious lunch. The Harrisons were particularly keen on knowing who the Merryweather cook was, though Marmaduke wished to stay out of sight.

"You girls enjoying the wedding?" Richard asked them. He was followed by his friends. They girls were in the ballroom eating pastries and drinking strawberry cordial.

"It's a beautiful wedding, though seeing all the men in arms is strange…" Jane responded.

Maria took a look around the room and nodded her head. After Loveday and Sir Benjamin spoke to Mr. De Noir about the monster in Moonacre, Mr. De Noir decided his men were to remain with their weapons, in case anything were to happen.
Ms. Heliotrope was at first taken aback by the guns and swords strapped to the mens' hips. She hoped the wedding would be as proper as Loevday's, though considering the circumstances, she was glad everyone was safe.

"Maria, have you asked William about their ship and its cargo?" Robin asked looking around to make sure no one else heard.

"No, I haven't had a chance to speak to him."

"Maria you look beautiful, can I have this dance?" William asked walking in between them.

"Speaking of the devil," Robin muttered rolling his eyes. Before Maria or William could say another word he took his leave.

"I wonder what's eating him," William said with a knowing smile. "Never mind him Maria. A girl as beautiful as you shouldn't be standing all along."

"Thank you William, though I hadn't been." Maria decided this was her chance to ask him. She took his arm and followed him to the middle of the room.

With his arm around her waist and her hand in his, they waltz to the music.

"Are you enjoying your stay?"

William smiled, "Though I wish I were here in different circumstances, the De Noirs have been surprisingly hospitable and Moonacre is more beautiful than I first gave it credit for." William led her about the room, proud to have the first dance with Maria. He wanted all to see her dancing with him, especially Robin. "But you know what the best part is? I got to spend time with you. I would conclude this summer is better than I'd imagine."

Maria smiled, "I'm sure there are plenty of ladies out there who would love to be at your side."

William laughed. "My mother does get annoyed by all the attention I get. But I don't care for it. Most girls just want a lavish life and see me as a means to get it."

"You poor soul. You must suffer so much," Maria teased.

William spun her around and brought Maria back into his arms, "I do. Especially when the one I want doesn't show the same interest."

Maria's eyes met William's and she felt his arm around her waist tightened. Her ears burned. "I—I'm sure you'll find the right girl in no time. Just make sure she's not only interested in your money."

"I know she isn't. This girl is much different."

Maria smiled and looked away. She needed the conversation to get back on the ship, thinking quickly she said, "The families of the sailors, have they been informed?"

William looked down to the floor. "Yes my father sent word as soon as we heard the news. We needed to give them some resolve as soon as possible. They had been missing for a long time."

"It must be horrible." Maria said thinking of the bodies they found in the dwelling. She shuddered and felt sick.

"Are you alright, do you need my jacket?"

"I'm fine. I'm simply thinking of the shipwreck, it must have been terrible. Did you lose much merchandise?"

William told her they weren't able to salvage much. What was left of the hull was in ruins from the weather. The merchandise that was recovered was also in various states of decomposition.

"What was the ship carrying?"

"Various fabrics, spices of sorts, mostly household goods. There was furniture and lumber as well. Though none of that survive either."

Maria thought hard. She wasn't getting far with William and their song was about to end. "Do you know what caused the ship to sink?"

"My father thinks it must have been the bad weathered that hit England this winter. He doesn't see what else it could've been."

"It's strange isn't it though? For the ship to have strayed so far from London. I heard from Robin you two compete for the London ports."

"Erm—well yes. It didn't make sense when we first heard either. But, well you see, I heard stories of how winds can cause ships to veer far off course. After all, that's how the Americas were discovered."

"Yes I see," Maria said studying William. He looked confused, or maybe taken aback. Maria wasn't quite sure. She didn't like staring into his eyes for too long. They made her stomach flutter.
"I once read a story about a vampire. He stole away on a ship and ate the sailors to survive. It caused the ship to crash into a port and allowed the monster to terrorize innocent civilians."

William forced a laugh. "Maria, I'm not sure you should be reading those stories. They may make your nightmares worst."

"But what if that happened to your father's ship?"

William furrowed his brow and gave her a strange look. He spun her around once more before responding, "I highly doubt that Maria. First of all, as an educated London lady you would know such creatures don't exist. And if there was a monster on board. Where is it now? We certainly didn't see anything strange when we picked up the rubbish."

Maria's face fell. She didn't think William knew anything about the monster. The song came to an end and Maria thanked William.
She searched for Robin and found him with Henry sitting by the table set with food.

"I don't think William knows anything," Maria said sitting next to Robin.

"Probably lying," Robin brought her a drink.

"I doubt it, he genuinely looked confused."

"What are the chances of the monster being a stowaway?" Henry asked.

"I doubt a monster could sneak in so easily. It has a long and raggedy hooded cloak. It also appears to float. Though without footsteps, it may make sneaking on board a vessel at night much easier," Maria explained.

"Perhaps. I don't want to consider that family innocent just yet," Robin said studying William from afar. He was now with his parents talking to them.

Hello Readers!

Thank you so much for reading and your patience! Unfortunately my school system is a quarter system so I am still not done with finals and am reaching the busiest part of the term. I can't thank you all enough for sticking around.

Thank you Lizcookie1 for the kind reminder and sweet words! I am trying to get these out faster next time.
I'm glad Roseywolf you enjoyed the previous chp! I think with your's and Wonderland01134's ideas I can improve on that rivalry! On that note thank you Wonderland01134, lets see what happens these next few chapters ;). Kasia24, yes I was thinking of that scene in the movie when Robin falls off the trap and hits his head! It was so cute I wanted that again. Lynn Chase thank you, thats so sweet! I hope your finals go well!

Actually on that note, for those who had finals or are taking them, good luck! This chp isnt as exciting but hopefully you'll all still enjoy it.

Many, many thanks!

gladsss

PS: Chp 21 will be out by June 5 (The week before my finals O.O dun dun duunnn)