A Moonacre Fanfiction Peace on Earth

It was a solemn party that congregated around the table in Moonacre Manor for breakfast. Miss Heliotrope's pale face was drawn together. Her poor, dear Maria could be anywhere. She might even be…no. All hope was not lost yet. Perhaps they would arrive today yet.

Cousin Lillian squeezed Miss Heliotrope's hand supportively. Her heart ached for dear Jane. At such a time like this, was her life to be tormented by yet another fear? But Lillian had resolved to keep her chin up. Robin had seemed a very capable fellow, and his admiration for Maria was undeniable. Surely he of all people would keep her safe. Her gaze fell on Coeur De Noir, whose eyes were glassy.

The poor man was eating dutifully, at Lillian's request that he keep his strength up. But every bite was dry and tasteless. He had lost his wife, and for the longest time his daughter was estranged to him. Now he had her back…but was he to lose his son, too? Nothing gold can stay.

Digweed stood steadfastly in the corner, keeping a stiff upper lip. He was bound and determined to be a comfort and not a burden to Jane—Miss Heliotrope. He really ought not to call her Jane. She was the mistress of the house while Sir Benjamin was away. Yes, she had asked him to, but she probably regretted it today. But, oh, how he longed to know! Did she regret the brief kiss she'd given him? His cheek burned with recollection. Then he shook his head. Digweed, old boy, you're too old for this! He was being nonsensical.

Marmaduke came to clear away the dishes, but there were hardly any dishes to clear away. He pursed his lips, disapproving.

"In times of sorrow, it is all the more essential to one's physical condition to consume any nutrition provided. I beg of you all, dine!" Miss Heliotrope winced as though she had a headache.

"Forgive us, Marmaduke. It looks good, truly it does, but my stomach will not agree with anything at the present. It is shameful to waste all this. Digweed, Marmaduke, come and sit. Help us make good use of this fare." She did not have to ask twice. Both men were hungry and more than willing to assist in the effort. But as the minutes passed, an oppressive blanket of silence settled upon them, smothering any comforting conversation. And the sun that rose higher with each passing moment threatened to strangle any hopes they might have of Robin and Maria's welfare.

Meanwhile, the two youth in question were just reaching the edges of the Moonacre grounds. They walked slowly and silently, both tired and cold and hungry. But their eyes were bright, for a new seed of hope had been planted in their hearts. Robin plowed through the snow and Maria followed. Their minds raced though their feet did not.

Robin wondered if he was still dreaming. But no, he could feel the cold winds chapping his face. He could feel the snow crunching under his boots. He could smell the sharpness of winter in the woods. He was awake. Maria had kissed him. How was it possible? He had no idea. He decided not to question it. For now.

Maria's cheeks were bright red, partly because of the exertion, partly because of the cold, and partly because she had kissed Robin. Well, there was nothing to be done. She could not take it back now. Now he knew…and he didn't seem to mind. On the contrary, in fact. A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. Despite being snowed in, despite nearly freezing to death, despite nearly starving to death (well, all right, maybe not quite starving), despite everything, some good had been found. And the good that had come of this little escapade immeasurably outweighed the evil!

They approached the manor, trudging up the front steps. Maria took a deep breath and glanced over at Robin. He grinned, sliding an arm around her shoulders. She nearly melted into him but somehow managed to stay on her feet. All was well. They were safe.

Maria knocked.

Inside, Wrolf growled. Miss Heliotrope exhaled shakily.

"I declare, what is it, Wrolf?" The black lion leapt up and dashed to the door. Miss Heliotrope stiffened. Everyone froze. Then all at once, they erupted from their seats and surged to the door. Coeur De Noir opened it. Robin and Maria stood in the doorway. The women gasped, the men sighed.

"Maria, Maria, my darling Maria, come in, come in!" Miss Heliotrope practically dragged the girl inside and gave her a crushing embrace. Coeur De Noir enveloped Robin in the hug only a grateful father can bestow. Hugs and kisses were granted all around, until Robin noticed Maria beginning to sway on her feet. He braced her, slipping an arm around her back.

"Let's get you a seat." He delivered her into a luxurious velvet chair, collapsing into another beside her.

"Marmaduke," Lillian said quickly, "Would you please bring some food?" He bowed.

"With pleasure." And he was gone in a blur. Digweed helped Miss Heliotrope to a seat, standing protectively behind her. Coeur De Noir and Lillian sat on the warm hearth. Wrolf served as a footrest for Maria's feet.

"Are you both quite well?" Lillian inquired, for no one else seemed able to speak. Maria nodded weakly.

"I am now." Marmaduke returned with savory treats that Robin and Maria gobbled up. For once, Miss Heliotrope didn't correct either of the children on proper dining etiquette. When they had scarfed down everything possible, they sat back in relief.

Little by little, the adults extracted the story of the snowstorm and Loveday's grotto. Naturally, Robin and Maria omitted certain parts of the story, parts that they saved up in their hearts and cherished, parts that could only be told by a flashing of eyes and a secret smile.

By the time everyone understood what had happened, Miss Heliotrope had finally gotten ahold of her senses.

"We must get you to bed right away," she declared. "And you must sleep. I will not have either of you falling ill." Maria and Robin were in no shape to disagree with her. Maria made her way up to her bedroom, and Robin retired to the guest chamber. There they slept.

Robin dreamt of copper curls, a twinkling of chestnut eyes, and a merry laugh.

Maria dreamt of a jaunty grin, an arched eyebrow, and a low chuckle.

And for now, all was well.

A/N: Dear reader,

Thank you for reading this chapter! While this would be a pleasant place to stop, I must inform you that there is yet one more event I wish to include in this story; we are not finished yet. At any rate, thank you for sticking with this story! Your patience is truly admirable. I remain ever your

Ponygirl7