A Moonacre Fanfiction Peace on Earth

Maria had of course been watching Robin throughout his endeavors, and was flushed with pleasure to see him return. From his broad smile, she could see the result of his mission. She rose as he neared her, offering her gloved hand. He took it in his bare fingers, looking as though he'd just acquired a vast fortune. Which, I suppose, in a manner of speaking, he had.

"Princess."

"Robin?"

"Would you like to dance?"

"As you have my hand, both literally and figuratively, why would I deny you that happiness?" Robin opened his mouth, furrowed his brow, and then frowned.

"Was that a yes or no?"

"I should very much like to dance with you, as I think you know full well." Her eyes were already dancing.

"Good. I mean—shall we?" For a moment he looked visibly distressed.

"Robin, there's no need to bother with formalities on my account. I can see they render you uncomfortable."

"Well, I'd like to try," Robin said, leading her out to the dance floor. "If anyone can civilize me, it's you."

"You're civilized as it is. Somewhat." She added hastily.

"I'm holding you to that, then," Robin chuckled. They began to dance. It was a lively polka, one that kept the dancers' feet busy, but Robin and Maria managed to keep up a conversation between breaths.

"You do dance—rather well," Maria admitted grudgingly. It was true; he moved with polished precision, unlike most of the stiff, jerky steps other young men generally butchered.

"Don't sound surprised—" he grinned.

"I wasn't—well, a little—but where did you—"

"Loveday," he explained.

"Ah," Maria twirled under his arm. That explained it all. Only Loveday would have the patience, inclination, and talent to teach Robin to dance so gracefully. She twirled again, her dress flaring out slightly. "You'll come—to the wedding—right?"

"Of Miss Heliotrope's and—" he spun her under his arm. "Digweed?"

"Yes," her curls bobbed up and down atop her head, "It'll be after—church on Sunday—on Christmas—and—I'm to be the maid of honor."

"Isn't there a—favorite fellow? I could—be him."

"Favorite fellow?" Her laugh was merry, like the tinkling of bells. "You mean best man?"

"That's the one," he affirmed, trotting side to side lightly while he spun her. There were a lot of spins and twirls in polkas.

"I suppose you—could ask Digweed. I don't believe—they've discussed it yet."

"Perhaps I will." He glanced around, looking for Digweed. The servant and his fiancée were talking with each other quickly. "I'd get to walk you—down the aisle, right?"

"That's correct," Maria blushed to think of it.

"It'll be good practice."

"Robin!" She laughed, twirling into his arm. "We've only barely begun—to court!"

"I know," they joined hands and circled, "but do you mean—you wouldn't—"

"Don't interpret my words—as discouraging—far from it."

"Oh?" He quirked up an eyebrow as they stepped together.

"I only meant—well, think of Miss Heliotrope." Maria nodded in her tutor's direction. "She'd have a heart attack if—she heard us talking—about…marriage."

"You're right," he chuckled. "She's got enough on her plate. In the meantime," he steered her skillfully across the smooth floor, "you'll have to educate—me in the ways of courtship. What's proper—and all that."

"I think," she concentrated on her steps, though her shoes were beginning to pinch, "that we've surpassed propriety. Spending a night—alone in a cave? Highly improper."

"Good," he spun her, "Anything I do—from now on—will be an improvement."

"That's one way of—looking at it," she allowed, smiling in amusement. The dance was beginning to wind down, and before long the musicians were drawing out the final chords. Maria curtsied while Robin bowed. Then they all stood and smiled and clapped appreciatively for the musicians. Robin's hunter's eyes caught Miss Heliotrope bending down to talk to a violinist, who nodded.

"I wonder what that's all about," he muttered.

"What?" Maria peered in the direction he was looking. "Oh. I think I know. Come, let's sit." They adjourned to their table, where Maria sipped the last of her cider while Robin gulped his thirstily.

"Were you tired?" Robin asked, beginning to wipe his mouth on his sleeve then deferring that honor to a cloth napkin.

"Not in the least; though my feet are a bit sore. But I believe this next dance is Miss Heliotrope and Digweed's."

"What?"

"They're going to announce—oh, here, now you'll see." A hush had spread over the gathering as Digweed clinked a spoon against a glass.

"Friends and family," Miss Heliotrope began warmly, squaring her shoulders, "Digweed and I have an announcement to make." Robin sighed. He'd heard this before. He found his eyes wandering over to Maria, but when they focused on her face, he chuckled.

"You have a moustache," he murmured across the table to Maria. She averted her gaze from her tutor to Robin, frowning.

"I what? Oh." She snatched up her napkin, wiping the cider stains from her lips.

"Is this going to be a long speech?" he asked in a low voice.

"Perhaps…I don't know."

"We've heard it before. They're engaged."

"Yes?"

"Would you like to slip out?"

"I—" she glanced between Robin and Miss Heliotrope. She wouldn't mind going off with Robin. But she felt a sense of duty towards Miss Heliotrope. "If we wait at the door until she's finished."

"Fair enough." They stood and easily made their way along the wall to the door. On their way, they passed a table of treats. Robin snagged two cream puffs, offering one to Maria. She took it and they went on, reaching the door. Meanwhile Digweed had taken over, and he was ending with something along the lines of

"—the most beautiful, knowledgeable woman I have ever met—"

"Huh," Robin grunted, nudging Maria. "And I thought he knew you." Maria rolled her eyes, but her mouth was full of cream puff. "Are they almost finished?" He sighed, exasperated.

"Patience is a virtue," Maria reminded him gently, slipping her hand through his. "Surely they can't have much more to say. Look, the musicians are getting ready."

"What does that mean?"

"They're going to play. Miss Heliotrope and Digweed are going to dance this one by themselves."

"Don't tell me you want to watch that too?" Upon seeing her disapproving look, he amended, "Because I would gladly wait."

"Miss Heliotrope has been a constant in my life long before I knew Moonacre," Maria said quietly. "She is a permanent part of me."

"I'm jealous." He played with her fingers.

"What I'm saying," a little smile flitted across her face, "is that I am excited for this new development in her life. After all the effort she has put into improving me and my mind, it's the least I can do to be there for her."

"I know," he said soberly, "I'm sorry if I was rude."

"You're forgiven," Maria squeezed his hand, looking up at him with open affection. He smiled down at her with such adoration. His dark eyes were so deep and liquid that she could so easily drown in them, and enjoy every minute. But when she heard the music beginning, she wrenched her gaze away to watch her tutor.

Miss Heliotrope and Digweed were dancing. It was intriguing to watch; Miss Heliotrope, being the learned lady she was, danced quite well. Digweed, on the other hand, was less experienced and stumbled occasionally. But Maria could see he was making a great effort, striving to do well for his fiancée, and Miss Heliotrope was ever so subtly correcting his movements while making him appear graceful. It was such a sweet picture of love and partnership.

Maria leaned into Robin, savoring his woodsy smell, which at the moment was mingled with a tinge of cinnamon. He inclined his head to plant a kiss on her temple. And they watched the dancing couple, basking in the happy contentment of companionship.

A/N: Dear reader,

Thank you for reading this chapter! Sorry I've been a little slow to update; this is a busy time of year. A hearty thanks to those of you who have commented, either on this, or my other stories. You really do make my day! It's amazing what words can do, truly. However, they can also bore people, so I shall end here!

Yours,

Ponygirl7