A Moonacre Fanfiction Peace on Earth

Robin headed straight for Miss Heliotrope, knowing that facing her with the courage he had at present would be far better than to wait until his nerve calmed. It seemed Miss Heliotrope was sipping punch and talking with one of the ladies from the De Noir village who looked rather like a hen in a befeathered dress.

Swallowing hard, Robin drew near the ladies, waiting until the chicken woman finished speaking. From what he caught of the conversation, the old hen was surprised at Miss Heliotrope's intention to marry a mere servant who frittered his time away in the garden. Miss Heliotrope, meanwhile, was pinching her lips most severely. When the chicken woman paused for breath, Robin leapt in.

"You haven't ever met Digweed, have you, ma'am?" The woman confirmed that this was the case. Robin nodded. "Then you cannot know his character, which of course explains why I heard you speaking so unfavorably of him just now. If you were acquainted with him, you would find him to be a most amiable and pleasing man, one whose unwavering loyalty and dedication Moonacre Manor could not do without." He watched with secret glee as the chicken woman sputtered unintelligible remarks before waddling off. He himself was impressed with his own little speech. He wished Maria could've heard him. But Miss Heliotrope heard him, which was at the moment the next best thing. The woman in question now turned to him, chin drawn down in quiet observation.

"That was a kind thing to do," she said, eying him shrewdly.

"It was the right thing to do," Robin shrugged. "I spoke only the truth. And I wish you both happiness." There. That ought to get him points with Maria's tutor.

"Indeed. Thank you, Robin." She sipped her punch meditatively, then let out an untimely eructation. This gave Robin the boost of confidence he needed, for a woman who burps loudly cannot be too intimidating.

"And while we are on the subject of happiness," he began, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, "I would like to ask something of you."

"Of me?" Miss Heliotrope regarded him with surprise.

"Yes." Now that he had started, he had better finish. "I would like—that is, I am asking for—" How to phrase this? "I should like very much to court Maria. Do I—may I have your permission to do so?" There. It was said. He watched Miss Heliotrope intently.

But all she did was giggle quietly. Robin wondered if he'd ever heard her giggle.

Then she drew herself up most formidably, casting down a stern eye on Robin. Which was odd, come to think of it, for she was shorter than him, usually.

"Do not think," and now her voice was steely, "That Maria is a girl to be trifled with. She is far more intelligent than any simple boy could hope to be. Therefore, if you were previously laboring under the delusion that she is a mere conquest or toy, allow me to disillusion you. Maria is one of the strongest people I have ever known. She can and will be a fierce opponent if you make her your enemy. And if you do make her your enemy, believe me when I say that it will not be only her that you will have to contend with." Robin blinked.

"However," Miss Heliotrope's tone softened, "Maria is also one of the most compassionate, tenderhearted people I have ever known. If…if you respect her and treat her with love and devotion, she shall reward you tenfold." Miss Heliotrope sighed and took another sip of punch. "I have often fretted the nights away, worrying for Maria and her future suitors, for it was inevitable for a girl of her charm and nature to have such; but I think—and do not disappoint me—but I think that perhaps you are up to the challenge. For it is a challenge, to be in love...a love that lasts, at any rate. But I daresay you have never backed down from a challenge in your life. And the reward of this one is a treasure indeed. Do you promise," and her piercing gaze intensified, if such a thing was even possible, "to give Maria the respect she deserves, to care for her and her wellbeing even as you care for yours, and to love her as much as you love yourself?"

"More so, ma'am." He replied steadily. Miss Heliotrope was silent for a moment.

"Then you have my permission. And…my blessing." She finished the last of her punch. Robin had to force his brain to cooperate, so stunned was he by this uncharacteristic generosity towards him. He bowed gratefully, if a little hastily, and thanked her. Then, hardly believing his luck, he willed his feet to take him over to where Sir Benjamin and Loveday sat. The happy couple had acquired a small table in the corner, a plate piled high with iced Christmas cookies in the center.

"Hello Robin!" Loveday greeted him with enthusiasm. "Do draw up a chair and sit."

"I will, thanks." He did so. Loveday looked at him a moment before saying,

"Benjamin and I were just talking about putting a pond in the manor grounds. What do you think of the idea?" Robin considered.

"If you put in fish, we could go fishing."

"That what I've been telling Loveday," a grin lit Sir Benjamin's face, "and she just wants to put some of those little foreign fish in—"

"Koi, darling," Loveday corrected, "They're from Japan, I believe. And they aren't always little. But you wouldn't want to catch and eat them; they're too pretty. They're very colorful fish," she explained, "And would look ever so lovely in a little pond. Don't you think so, Robin?"

"I hardly know," he replied honestly, for he had never heard of koi.

"Never mind," Sir Benjamin waved it off. "Loveday's bent on it anyway, so it's bound to happen." Loveday blew a kiss to her husband. "But how are you, Robin? Enjoying yourself?"

"Er, yes." Robin cleared his throat, glancing at his sister. She seemed to understand.

"I'll be back in a minute; saying hello to some friends." She rose and exited. Robin had to hand it to Loveday for being tactful.

"Something I can help you with?" Sir Benjamin asked.

"As a matter of fact—I'd like your permission to court Maria."

"I see. Well, I don't see why not. If she's agreeable, of course." Sir Benjamin cocked his head. "Maria's a smart young lady. She can speak for herself. As to my permission, you have it most readily." Robin paused, bracing himself for a lengthy spiel. But there was none. He smiled.

"Thank you, sir." He extended a hand, and the two men shook.

"You're welcome, son." And Robin stood, bowed, and began to walk back to the table where Maria was waiting. He felt triumphant, like a hero returning from war. He could hardly keep from running. He had to content himself with long, quick strides, curls bouncing across his forehead. Never had Robin known such a jubilant freedom, a freedom filled with anticipation.

He could court Maria.

This was turning out to be quite the evening.

A/N: Dear reader,

Sorry I had to stop here! I do try to keep my chapters approximately the same length, so please forgive me. I think the difference between Miss Heliotrope's reception of Robin's inquiry and Sir Benjamin's rather droll, don't you? I thank you once again for your time in reading this story, your gracious reviews, and your patience.

Your faithful

Ponygirl7