A Moonacre Fanfiction Peace on Earth

Maria paced through the house in her gown, checking every room to make sure that nothing was amiss. The taffeta swished softly as she walked. She had donned her gloves and was wearing silver shoes with low heels; hopefully her feet would not be too sore tomorrow. Loveday had done up her curls in a most becoming fashion. Maria hoped it would retain its shape. It was nearly evening, and the guests would be coming soon.

Maria bustled into the ballroom. Wrolf, who had been snoozing by the hearth, leapt up to join her. Maria inspected the tall Christmas tree, which Uncle Benjamin and Digweed had somehow wrestled into submission. She glanced at the gifts under the tree—gifts. With all the excitement of the past few days, she had forgotten all about gifts. She had made Miss Heliotrope's, Digweed's, and Marmaduke's months in advance, though she was still at a loss as to what to give Robin. And Uncle Benjamin and Loveday…well, she had several days yet. Christmas was Sunday. Surely she could figure something out by then.

So she continued her inspection, smoothing curtains, turning poinsettias, and petting Wrolf. Lillian had arranged for some local musicians (mostly elderly gentlemen) to come and play the dances. They were already warming up in the corner. Maria smiled and waved a gloved hand. Hopefully all would go smoothly. Marmaduke had been cooking up a storm when Maria visited him; so much so that he had shooed her out lest she be hit in the crossfire of cinnamon sticks he was using to make wassail. The feast was not a sit-down affair; people would graze along the tables and dance in turn when they pleased. The only official announcement would be that of Miss Heliotrope and Digweed's engagement. Maria still squealed internally at the thought.

A glance out the window told her that the sun was beginning to set. The De Noirs should be here any minute. She made her way to the front door, Wrolf on her heels. What a fine dog—er, lion, he was! Maria still considered him a dog, despite his appearance. Loyalty such as his could be found in no other animal.

The clicking of heels on the gray stone tile alerted Maria to Lillian's arrival.

"Are they...oh, not yet. But they should be here any minute."

"Yes. I'm so excited!" It took all of Maria's self-control to keep from bouncing up and down. She doubted Lillian would mind anyway, but she didn't want to pinch her toes. "I'm not sure if I told you, but I really like your dress. Did Coeur De Noir help pick it out?"

"Oh, no," Lillian blushed, smoothing out a ruffle in her gown. "He hasn't seen it yet."

"Ah, then it'll be a surprise! I'm sure he'll like it."

"Do you think so?" Lillian's bright eyes were hopeful, but Maria couldn't tell if she was just excited for the ball.

"Of course! I don't think he knows much about fashion, but he'd have to be blind to not be awed by you." Maria nodded with conviction, curls bobbing.

"You're too kind, really," Lillian protested, "But I'm sure Robin will be proud to escort you onto the dance floor."

"Thank you. I just hope he behaves himself. He's not accustomed to all the etiquette and elegance." Maria grinned. "And he says he dances well, but that has yet to be proven." Lillian smiled, saying graciously,

"I'm sure if he dances half as well as his father, you'll be pleasantly surprised." Maria was about to respond when they heard a knock at the door. Maria was quickest, and rushed to open the door. As expected, it was Coeur De Noir and Robin leading the rest of their relatives.

"Come in, come in!" Maria dropped a quick curtsy and swung the door back. Coeur De Noir patted her arm as he entered.

"A pleasure to be here, Maria." She bowed her head, smiling. She could sense Coeur De Noir look past her and see Lillian. And suddenly, he had forgotten all about Maria. He strode forward, halted, and bowed deeply. Maria saw Lillian curtsy out of the corner of her eye. Oh, how she hoped they would fall in love! But Robin said to mind her own business. Speaking of Robin…

Maria looked up, and her breath caught.

"Evening, Princess," Robin said.

"Good evening, Robin. Would you come in?"

"I would." He stepped in to stand beside Maria, letting the other De Noirs enter. Maria smiled and greeted each guest in turn, as a host ought to do. As she was greeting them, Robin leaned down to whisper, lips grazing her ear, "I have something you'd like to hear."

"In a minute," she muttered between exclamations of "How are you?" and "So glad you could come!" This left Robin to amuse himself, and what better distraction than Maria's hair? He frowned, unable to perceive how exactly it was staying up like that. Must be magic. He fingered one of her curls, twirling it around his index finger.

Meanwhile Maria, in a conscious effort to ignore him, became almost overly enthusiastic in her welcome, hoping not to let on how aware she was of his presence. When at last she had run out of guests to vigorously shake hands with or blind with a smile, she closed the door.

"You cannot do that when I'm greeting people," she turned back to Robin, who assumed an innocent expression. "It's distracting."

"I'm distracting?"

"Very." She admitted. She tried to maintain a serious, reprimanding expression, but how was it possible when he looked ever so handsome in a suit? She sighed, rolling her eyes. His lips quirked up in a smirk, knowing he'd won.

"Now then," she said, putting her hands behind her back expectantly. "What was it you wanted to tell me?"

"I didn't say I wanted to tell you," he countered, "I said you'd like to hear it."

"What's the difference?"

"You'll see. Well, there's no putting it off. You were right."

"Of course I was!" She stuck out her chin with pride. "Uh, what exactly was I right about?" Robin chuckled.

"Well," he began, "and this is all strictly confidential, you must keep in mind," he glanced down the empty hallway. Maria tiptoed closer to him, eyebrows creeping up her forehead in suspense.

"Yes?" she prompted. He sighed.

"Now you're being distracting."

"How am I being distracting? I am standing here, waiting for you to tell me some confidential news."

"Yes, but you're standing there, being pretty," he groaned, as though it were an exasperating vice. Maria's cheeks tinged with pink, not bothering to hide her smile.

"You're just prolonging the suspense."

"Right. Sorry. It's just that you're…" he trailed off, looking at her.

"For goodness' sake, Robin, out with it!" Maria ordered; though she didn't mind his obvious appreciation of her appearance.

"Sorry. Well, Father is kind of…he likes Lillian." Maria stared at him.

"Robin, I could've told you that."

"No, I mean…" Robin hooked a hand on his neck. "He asked me what I think of her. Like, as a…"

"As a potential mother?" Maria whispered, hardly daring to believe what she was hearing. Robin nodded.

"Something of the sort. But Maria, don't go getting more notions; I have no idea what she thinks of him. And remember, this is—"

"Strictly confidential, I know," Maria waved it off. "I sha'n't tell a soul. But oh, Robin!" Now she did bounce up and down; nevermind her pinched feet. "I told you I suspected something."

"Yes, you're very clever, I know. Now, shall we?" he offered her his arm. She took it.

"We shall."

And they went in to the ball.

A/N: Dear reader,

Oh, I'm so excited! Everything is falling into place just as it ought. Thank you so much for reading my story thus far! If you have any suggestions for future stories, plots, settings, couples, etc. let me know in the reviews!

Ever yours,

Ponygirl7