A Moonacre Fanfiction Peace on Earth

"I admit the first bit was good," Coeur De Noir said gruffly, draining his glass of punch, "but after the changing of partners, Robin's skill lessened decidedly."

"I agree. One cannot help but wonder why," Lillian smiled to herself.

"Where did he go? Trying to avoid us, I expect. I shall have to go find him." He made an effort to rise, but Lillian laid a hand on his.

"Pray, don't." Lillian urged him. "No doubt he has lovelier ladies than I to entertain."

"I challenge him to present one." Coeur De Noir said stoutly. Lillian couldn't conceal the smile this brought to her lips, but she was worried for Robin and Maria. She had seen the manner in which they exited the ballroom, and none of it seemed to suggest anything blissful.

Meanwhile, Loveday and Sir Benjamin were talking quietly in a corner.

"But I don't want to steal Miss Heliotrope and Digweed's spotlight!" Loveday protested. "This evening is all about them."

"This evening is all about celebration," Sir Benjamin corrected, "And what could be more celebratory than a new Merryweather?"

"We don't even know if it's a boy or girl."

"They won't care!"

"Benjamin!"

"I just mean that they'll be excited just to be aware of him—her—uh, it."

"Perhaps we ought to consult Miss Heliotrope and Digweed first. After all, it is their party."

"Last time I checked, this is my house. Our house."

"Benjamin, at least ask permission. Please?" He sighed.

"Yes, darling." And so they walked carefully over to Miss Heliotrope and Digweed, who were now sitting wearily at a table, having danced until their feet could hardly support them. Sir Benjamin leaned down to whisper in Miss Heliotrope's ear. Then, since she could not hear him, he said it quietly. But the music was loud, and so he was obliged to speak up again. Finally, when Miss Heliotrope at last understood and smiled in delight, he had spoken loud enough for the surrounding tables to hear. Loveday took her husband's arm.

"I think there is little need for us to make a public announcement now," she grinned. "Within the next five minutes, everyone in the room will know."

"That will save me the trouble of interrupting the musicians. How efficient of me." He chuckled, kissing Loveday's cheek. Loveday sighed happily. If only everyone could be as content as she in this moment!

Maria followed Robin out of the ballroom. He marched into the piano room, which was illuminated only by the cool blue light of the moon. Maria paused at the top of the stairs, not quite descending into the room.

"What's wrong, Robin?" She planted her hands on her hips. Whatever it was, he was surely overreacting. What cause could he have for behaving as he was?

"Ambrose." Robin hadn't turned around.

"Yes, he was my second partner. What of him?"

"Do you know him?"

"I hadn't met him before the dance. Why?" Robin turned around.

"You were smiling with him. While you danced." Maria's brow creased.

"I…yes, I was smiling. We were talking."

"He was dancing very close with you."

Now Maria understood. She couldn't help chuckling.

"Robin, are you jealous?"

"Maria, I'm not joking about this. He likes you."

"I like him."

"What?"

"As nothing more than a pleasant acquaintance, Robin. Am I not allowed to have friends?"

"Not like him." He muttered.

"I can be friends with any and everyone I please, Robin. No one has the right to dictate to me with whom I should be talking or smiling."

"But Maria—"

"I might remind you that for a long while Miss Heliotrope utterly despised you and your manners. Did that stop me from talking to you?"

"So now you're saying I'm on the same level with that guy?"

"What? I am simply pointing out that as it is my life, I am allowed to be friends with anyone I like."

"So you want to dance with him more?"

"Robin, I have no romantic interest in him whatsoever. I just liked talking to him." Robin' eyebrows raised.

"You liked talking to me, too. And now we're courting."

"Are you saying that just by talking to Ambrose, I might decide to court him?"

"That's what happened with us, isn't it?"

"There was a little more than that, Robin. But I would have hoped that you had a little more confidence in me than to think I would fall in love with every young man I talked to!"

"It's not a matter of confidence, Maria, it's a matter of spending time with someone for so long that—"

"Robin, I can't believe you're getting so worked up over one little dance. You'll notice that I am not rebuking you for dancing with that little girl."

"She was ten years old!"

"How does age make a difference? Ambrose is probably older than us."

"But he's a handsome young man. Not as good-looking as me, of course, but still—"

"Even arguing, you don't lose your pride."

"Tell me that Ambrose is unattractive."

"I can't do that and be honest."

"Then you admit you find him attractive?"

"Robin, he's not ugly. But why you would think that that alone would entice me to fall in love with him, I don't know."

"Yes but Maria…" he sighed heavily. "Oh, never mind. I don't know how I got it into my head that I could have any say on who you danced with."

"Thank you." She nodded.

"Just go dance with him. Dance with all of the guys out there, see if I care."

"Oh, Robin, that's not what I—"

"No, just go. You like to dance, go dance. I'll bet most of them are better dancers than me. Maybe I'll find some girls to talk to. Run along and enjoy yourself." He spoke so hotly, so irritably. Maria narrowed her eyes.

"Very well." She pursed her lips. "I hope you find stimulating conversation." She turned on her heel and swept back to the ballroom, leaving Robin to cool his temper in the fragile moonlight.

A/N: Dear readers,

I'm sorry Maria and Robin have quarreled. But it is shadow that gives life dimension. How lovely about Sir Benjamin and Loveday! They're such a rosy couple. At any rate, thank you for continuing with me through this story. Your reviews are appreciated; any and all thoughts regarding this story, my past stories, and potential ideas for stories are heartily welcomed.

I remain your

Ponygirl7