A Moonacre Fanfiction Peace on Earth

Maria led Lillian into the dining room as Miss Heliotrope brought up the rear. The two gentlemen (if Robin can be classified as such) rose from their seats out of courtesy.

"Good morning," Lillian smiled. "I am Lillian Heliotrope, Jane's cousin." As she shook Coeur De Noir's hand, Robin's face screwed up in surprise. Maria realized that he had never heard Miss Heliotrope's Christian name. She shot him a look, and his expression returned to normal. He shook Lillian's hand as well, and they all sat down to eat. Maria sat by Robin on one side of the table while the adults were on the other side, Miss Heliotrope in the middle. After a prayer they began to eat Marmaduke's exquisite breakfast.

"Maria has told me about the…curse," Lillian said. "It is truly incredibly how you all managed to resolve it." Coeur De Noir cleared his throat.

"Nobody deserves more credit than Maria. She was the one who jumped off the cliff. She convinced Sir Benjamin and me to put aside our differences."

"Oh, anybody could've done that." Robin teased, forking a large bite of sausage into his mouth. Maria slapped his arm.

"No, your father is right. I think she was very brave." Lillian said. Robin grinned.

"I know. I can say that kind of stuff because she knows I'm joking." Maria's brows wrinkled a little.

"Do I, though?" Her voice was so quiet only the sharpest of hunter's ears could have caught it. Robin frowned. But the adults prattled on, unaware.

"I hear you enjoy hunting," Lillian leaned forward, directing her words toward Coeur De Noir.

"I do. But I'm getting old and stiff. The young ones are out in the woods more than I." Lillian cocked her head.

"I am sorry to hear that. If I could not play the piano, I don't know what I'd do." Coeur De Noir's moustache lifted as he smiled.

"You play the piano?"

"Yes, a little."

"Fiddlesticks," Miss Heliotrope broke in. "Lillian is the most talented pianist you have ever heard." Coeur De Noir took a sip of milk, setting his glass down in slight embarrassment.

"I'm afraid I haven't exactly heard anyone play the piano." Lillian put a hand to her heart in disbelief.

"Never heard the piano? But sir, how do you live?"

"Oh, I manage," his eyes twinkled. "I have a son to make sure life is never dull."

"I'm sure your life isn't dull by any means," Lillian admitted. "But no piano music…to me, it is inconceivable."

"You will have to play for him then, won't you, Cousin Dear?" Miss Heliotrope said, a tentative smile playing around her lips. Maria caught something in her tone…something foreign. She had never heard that before. She eyed her tutor curiously. Miss Heliotrope's eyes were merry. Hm.

"I suppose so…that is, if he would like." Lillian said. She was the good kind of talented person; one who acknowledges her skill without arrogant pride, who doesn't force her talent upon anyone, who is considerate and encouraging of others, who understands that everyone excels at something.

"He would like." Coeur De Noir affirmed, pushing back his plate. "My compliments to the chef," he said, patting his stomach. "Marmaduke has outdone himself."

"Miss Heliotrope, may we be excused, Robin and I?" Maria asked, sensing that the meal was coming to a close. Miss Heliotrope glanced over at Lillian, who smiled.

"Oh, let the young ones enjoy themselves," she said. "I'm not sure our conversation about piano interests them."

"No, it's not that," Maria protested, not wanting to seem rude or uncouth. "I do enjoy the piano. But…" how could she explain?

"I think I understand," Lillian said gently, eyes connecting Maria and Robin. "Let us pray so that you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors." And so they did pray, and Maria and Robin were allowed to go outside, leaving Miss Heliotrope, Cousin Lillian, and Coeur De Noir at the table.

"You have a way with the children," Coeur De Noir said, almost admiringly.

"I'm not sure what you mean," Lillian said, taming a stray lock of golden hair.

"The children…well, you are understanding, somehow. I don't know how to describe it. They like you." Lilian considered.

"Perhaps they like me because I do not consider them children," she said, folding her hands in her lap.

"Now I'm not sure what you mean," Coeur De Noir frowned. Lillian turned to him with something near imploration written in her eyes.

"I know you haven't always been on good terms with Robin. But have you looked at your son recently? He is a man now."

"He doesn't always act like one," Coeur De Noir huffed.

"Perhaps his behavior depends upon how he is treated," Lillian said quietly. Coeur De Noir's brows raised in angry astonishment. Was this woman really telling him how to treat his son? What did she know of being a father? His first instinct was to reply with a biting remark. But…there was something that made him bite his tongue instead. Lillian's green-eyed gaze was steady, unswerving, confident.

"There may be something in your words," he said at last. He watched carefully the confident green eyes. They glowed slightly at his reply. And then silence overtook them.

"Well," Miss Heliotrope broke in with awkward punctuality. "I do believe it is time we arose from the table. If you'd like, I could show you the piano, Lillian." Cousin Lillian looked at her hands.

"Perhaps there is something else Monsieur De Noir would prefer to do," she suggested. Miss Heliotrope opened her mouth to answer, but Coeur De Noir's deep baritone broke in.

"Nay, indeed, I should like very much to hear the piano. Especially if you are as accomplished as I perceive you to be." He watched as a little pink mounted in Lillian's cheeks.

"I do not know how accomplished I am; I only love to play and have played for a long time."

"Good!" Miss Heliotrope stood. "Let us make our way to the music room, then." And so the three made their way down to the music room. Soon Lillian was seated on the piano bench, hands dancing over the old ivory keys. One moment her fingers were wispy feathers, the next small but mighty mallets. She played with energy and force, with heart and soul, pouring herself out in the music and letting it sing what words cannot tell.

Miss Heliotrope stood at the end of the grand piano, watching the little hammers inside the instrument fly. Coeur De Noir stood by the window. But when the music began, he could not gaze out for long. Soon he had turned just slightly enough so that his eyes could rest upon Lillian, her head bent, eyes intense and focused. And for some reason, the piano at once became Coeur De Noir's favorite musical instrument.

A/N: Beloved reader,

Firstly, let me apologize for not having updated sooner. I am sure you are familiar with the difficulties busy schedules present. While engagements and social conventions may be enjoyable, they do detract from time that can be devoted to solitary pleasures such as writing. But what can we do? Secondly, I thank you for reading this seventh installment of Peace on Earth. Perhaps this have given you a bit more insight as to the relationships that are forming. Please let me know what you think thus far. Thanks again!

Your faithful

Ponygirl7