A Moonacre Fanfiction Peace on Earth

Maria stretched out under the quilt. Ah, but she'd had a good nap. She opened one eye. Gray winter light was streaming through her window. How long had she slept? Was it morning already? The warmth of her soft blankets was luscious. She had no strong inclination to leave, but she would have to get up at some point. Being awake was so tedious.

Slothfully, she arose, leaving her comfortable warm bed and dressed. She was too tired to put much effort into her toiletries, so she French braided her hair down the side, splashed her face with water, and called it good. More awake now, Maria glanced out the window. It was late in the morning. Had she missed breakfast? The thought of missing Marmaduke's scrumptious treats prompted her to hurry, ducking out of her room and marching quickly down toward the dining room. Midstride, she caught a glimpse of the adults in the piano room and turned to greet them.

"Oh, Maria dear, how are you?" Miss Heliotrope stood and came forward. "You've slept a while."

"I feel fine. Quite well rested, thank you. Did I…did I miss breakfast?" Coeur De Noir guffawed.

"Stranded in a blizzard and now she's home and her only concern is food," He chuckled.

"Now, now, don't tease the child," Lillian admonished him gently. "Of course she's hungry." Turning to Maria, she said, "We already ate, but Marmaduke was keeping yours warm. Perhaps Miss Heliotrope will go find Digweed and ask him to fetch it for you." Maria didn't see why it was necessary for Miss Heliotrope to find Digweed when Maria could just as easily do that, as it was her breakfast after all. But Miss Heliotrope smiled a little and inclined her head.

"That I shall do. Maria, do have a seat." She walked off at a pace just a bit faster than her usual. Maria frowned slightly. She glanced at Lillian, who winked almost imperceptibly. Then it dawned on Maria: Lillian must know of Miss Heliotrope's secret admiration for Digweed. And so she had devised a way for them to meet privately. What a clever lady! Maria smiled back.

"Is Robin up yet?" she asked. She hoped he had not gone back to the De Noir Village.

"No, he's still snoring." Coeur De Noir assured her. "I imagine he'll be up soon. It's high time we went home." Maria's eyes fell.

"Of course." She nodded absently. Lillian seemed to notice her disappointment.

"Perhaps we could have a dinner party?" Lillian proposed brightly. "I know I'm not the host, so I cannot offer it, but might I suggest something of the sort?" Maria's eyes lit up.

"Yes, indeed! We must! Then you can meet the rest of the De Noirs. Coeur De Noir, what say you?" The ladies turned expectantly to him. His bushy eyebrows rose.

"I would be glad to attend such a gathering," he said. "The De Noirs have not had a party in a while."

"Oh!" Lillian exclaimed suddenly, clasping her hands. "I've just had the loveliest idea. What about a Christmas ball? With dancing and music!"

"As long as there's food, you can count on the De Noirs to be there," Coeur De Noir chuckled. "Although I'm afraid I haven't danced in years." Lillian's eyes twinkled.

"Why doesn't that surprise me? Well, we must practice then."

"Would you like me to play the piano?" Maria offered, rising to cross over to the pianoforte.

"Oh, right now?" Coeur De Noir asked. Lillian blushed.

"Perhaps Maria would be a better partner. I'm partial to the piano myself, rather than dancing." She looked to Maria, who bit her lip.

"I like the piano. Plus, you two are nearer in height and age than I am. It's a better matched couple." Plus she was afraid Coeur De Noir would step on her toes. Maria plopped down upon the piano bench and struck up a lively tune. She watched as Lillian and Coeur De Noir awkwardly joined hands. Lillian was speaking, but Maria couldn't hear. Coeur De Noir seemed to understand, and they began to dance. After a moment, Lillian turned to Maria.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but do you think you could play a bit slower?"

"It's my fault anyway," Coeur De Noir said. "I keep messing up."

"No, I'm a bit rusty too. This is good for me." Lillian insisted. So Maria played slower. She watched them dance. They were a well matched couple, indeed. Coeur De Noir was thick and dark and sturdy, while Lillian was light and smooth and lithe. It almost made Maria wonder…

"Morning, Maria." Feathers tickled her neck. Maria smiled. Who else could it be?

"Good morning, Sleeping Beauty," she replied, making a conscious effort to keep a steady tempo. Her hands didn't need to speed up with her heart.

"Why are they dancing?" Robin whispered.

"I'll tell you in a minute. Let me finish this song." It was hard to focus on the piano when she wanted to spin around and talk with Robin. She toiled on with what seemed like unending patience until finally the song came to a close. Lillian curtsied, Coeur De Noir bowed, and they looked rather elegant as a whole.

"Well done!" Maria clapped for them.

"I'm impressed," Lillian said. "It must be muscle memory. After the first few mistakes, you seemed to remember how to dance."

"It helped that I had a good partner," Coeur De Noir admitted. "I'm just glad I didn't break your toe or pull your arm out of socket." Lillian laughed a ringing laugh.

"So what's with the dancing?" Robin inquired.

"We're having a Christmas ball!" Maria exclaimed. "That is, if Miss Heliotrope agrees…where can Miss Heliotrope be?" she declared. "She's been gone a while." Lillian cleared her throat.

"I'm sure she's fine. Perhaps we ought to withdraw to the dining room, and we'll get you and Robin your breakfast." This seemed agreeable to all parties, so they made their way to the dining room. Lillian and Coeur De Noir led, while Robin and Maria hung back. The adults didn't seem to notice, they were talking so gaily.

"How are you this morning?" Maria asked. He looked down at her with those deep eyes of his. She had to steady her breath.

"I'm all right. How's your hand?" He took it and examined it. "Doesn't look bad at all."

"I haven't noticed it. If I was able to play piano, I suppose it has healed pretty well." She tried to ignore the feel of his hand on hers. "I wonder—what is that?" she stopped. Robin listened.

"It's coming from the library. Shall we investigate?" Maria nodded. They crept down the hall and Maria peered into the library. She immediately pulled back, motioning for him to follow her back. When they were a safe distance away, she turned to him. "What's that big smile for?" he asked. She couldn't keep from grinning.

"It was Miss Heliotrope and Digweed. I think…I think they may be engaged!" She threw her arms around Robin excitedly. Oh, what joy! At last, Miss Heliotrope had found love! Robin scooped Maria up in his arms.

"This calls for a celebration!" he said. She hushed him.

"No! They don't know we know. We must let them tell us. Now put me down." He sighed.

"As you wish." He kissed her forehead lightly. "Let's go get some food."

A/N: Beloved reader,

Thank you so much for reading this chapter! I apologize profusely for the extensive break from updating. Life can be so wearisome. I cannot thank you enough for your patience in bearing with me, nor can I express to you how much your reviews mean to me. I was glad to make this chapter a happy one, and I believe you can see a little more clearly into the future now. I remain your faithful

Ponygirl7