A Moonacre Fanfiction Peace on Earth

Maria and Robin walked through the woods, shadows sliding across the snow.

"It's nearly sundown; we must hurry, or Miss Heliotrope will have a fit," Maria said anxiously. Robin lengthened his strides.

"At least we're not in a blizzard," he pointed out. "Aside from it being cold, it's actually rather nice."

"It's beautiful," Maria agreed, looking around the forest.

"We're almost to the manor anyway. And I imagine Miss Heliotrope has other things to preoccupy her thoughts."

"I suppose so," Maria was still tickled that Digweed had proposed to Miss Heliotrope. Then a thought occurred to her. "Robin, you'll probably have to go home tonight, won't you? There's no reason for you to stay another night."

"Are you trying to get rid of me already, Princess?" Robin chuckled.

"Of course not," she said stoutly, "But you didn't answer my question."

"Yes, I'll go home. Father will, too."

"But will you be able to find your way? It'll be dark, and—"

"I was born and bred in these woods, Princess," Robin dismissed her fears. "Don't worry about me." They reached the edge of the forest, the manor in sight.

"Do I hear a carriage?" Maria cocked her head.

"I believe so. I can see the buggy." Robin slowed down. "Well, I probably won't see you again until the ball tomorrow."

"Yes. I'll have to spend the morning getting ready." She slowed down too.

"May I reserve your first dance?" he asked, lips quirking up in a smile.

"You may," she replied, eyes drifting off to the horizon. "Are you a good dancer?"

"You'll just have to see," he replied. "Now, as we are almost to the manor and I'll have to drop you off at the door, may I have a good night kiss?" Maria was so caught up in admiring the sunset, a frosty watercolor gradient of pinks and blues, that she almost didn't hear him. Robin's gaze trailed over her copper curls, glowing warmly. The curves of her face seemed softer in the evening light. He admired her chestnut eyes, big and dreamy. She blinked, as though jolted back to reality.

"Hm? Oh, of course." She held out her hand. He chuckled. His princess was so distracted by a sunset she couldn't give him a proper kiss. Oh well. He took her hand and raised it to his lips gallantly. And they say the De Noirs aren't gentlemen!

"Good night, Princess," he held her hand just a moment longer before letting it fall.

"Good night, Robin." She smiled fondly at him.

"Robin? Robin my boy, are you around here?" Coeur De Noir's voice echoed over the snow. Robin stepped back quickly.

"Yes, Father." He turned to Maria, dark eyes gleaming. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"I'll look forward to it." She curtsied as he bowed in the dim twilight. Then she made her way up to the door as Coeur De Noir came into view.

"Ah, g'night, Maria," he nodded in acknowledgement.

"Good night," she waved. "We'll see you tomorrow!" She closed the door behind her. Lillian had just come in, it seemed, hanging her wrap on the brass coat stand.

"Did you succeed in your endeavors to find a dress?" Maria asked. Lillian looked up.

"I beg your pardon? Oh. Yes, I did. It's perfectly lovely."

"I'm glad. Well, I suppose I'll retire. I'll see you in the morning."

"Yes…" Lillian's eyes were directed at Maria, yet she didn't seem to be looking at Maria. "Coeur De Noir is a dear man, is he not?" Maria raised an eyebrow. Could Lillian be interested in Coeur De Noir?

"Indeed, he is." She eyed Lillian, whose youthful features betrayed only wistful contemplation.

"Yes." Lillian sighed. "Well, good night. Sweet dreams!" Maria returned the sentiment, then climbed up to her bedroom. How odd Lillian was acting! Was it possible that she had fallen in love with Coeur De Noir after just a few days? Oh, but she should take Robin's advice. It wasn't really her business anyway. When she came to her room she changed into her night shift and slid into bed. Her last comprehensive thought was that she didn't have anything to wear for the ball tomorrow, and what a difficulty it would be to find something suitable.

The next morning, Maria awoke at the sound of wood sliding. She frowned, sitting up groggily. Light was streaming in her window, and it took her eyes a minute to adjust. But when she could see, she had to blink twice to make sure she wasn't dreaming.

"Loveday?"

"Good morning, Maria," Loveday smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry to wake you, but Miss Heliotrope said to wake you up."

"No, it's no matter. But…you're home!" Maria paused to yawn. "When did you get home?"

"Last night; it was very late, and we didn't want to wake anyone."

"Oh." Maria slid out of bed. "How was the honeymoon?"

"Perfectly splendid," Loveday sighed. "You have a wonderful uncle, did you know?"

"I did know," Maria grinned. "I'm glad you had a good time. Now you're home to stay?"

"Home to stay," Loveday affirmed. "What a lovely word 'home' is."

"Yes. Oh, but you're just in time for the ball! Did Miss Heliotrope tell you?"

"A ball? No, I didn't hear. I did hear, however, that Miss Heliotrope and Digweed are engaged!" Loveday bit her lip to keep from grinning too hard. "I simply cannot believe it!"

"It's true," Maria said, stretching. "I'm thrilled for them. And Lillian suggested—oh, do you know about Miss Heliotrope's cousin, Lillian?"

"Yes, I met her this morning; she's ever so sweet and bright."

"Mm. She suggested we host a Christmas ball at which Miss Heliotrope and Digweed could announce their engagement. Robin and I invited all the De Noirs yesterday. It's taking place tonight."

"That explains why the manor is positively glistening," Loveday declared. "And that's actually perfect for my gift!"

"Your…gift?" Maria echoed. Loveday nodded with the eagerness of a puppy. She gestured to a box she had set on Maria's white wicker chair.

"Loveday, you shouldn't have!" Maria said, rushing over to open it. Loveday chuckled as her niece lifted the lid and drew back the tissue paper. Maria gave a little squeal of delight.

Inside was a gown of tiffany blue taffeta. She gently lifted it up, admiring the workmanship. A layer of clear chiffon settled like a whisper over the skirt, icy silver patterns trailing over it for a snowflake effect. The bodice was tasteful, and the sweetheart neckline was clean, slanting up to the shoulders.

"Oh…Loveday." Maria breathed. "It's…" she looked up at her aunt. "I don't have words." Loveday's face broadened in a pleased smile.

"This ball is perfect timing; you can wear it tonight." Maria nodded enthusiastically.

"How can I ever thank you? Oh, Loveday!" She laid the dress on her bed and threw her arms around Loveday.

"You're welcome, my dear. You'll be a vision in taffeta tonight. Now then, we'd better go downstairs, or Miss Heliotrope will scold us." Maria was reluctant to leave the dress, but she knew that Loveday was right. So she slipped a robe over her night shift and skipped downstairs, hardly able to contain her glee for tonight.

A/N: Beloved reader,

Many thanks for sticking with me this far! My favorite part of this chapter was imagining Maria's new dress. I only wish it actually existed! This story is not quite finished (obviously) but please feel free to start dreaming up potential future Moonacre fanfictions. I have the inkling of an idea for Sir Benjamin and Loveday having a baby (thereby making Robin and Maria aunts and uncles!) but that is still undecided. Let me know what you think in the reviews!

Your faithful

Ponygirl7