A Moonacre Fanfiction Peace on Earth

Out of the corner of her eye, Maria saw Robin leave. Well, he'd stayed long enough. It wasn't as though he was needed here. She tried to smile up at Ambrose as he led her into a pirouette. But she was growing weary, and the night was growing late. Or was it morning? She couldn't tell. The candles' wax was beginning to pool at the base. When the musicians played the final chord, Maria looked up from her curtsy.

The ballroom's population was sparse. There were a few De Noirs left, including Ambrose. More men than ladies. Many of the ladies had left when Robin had left. Not that Maria had noticed, of course. Why would she have noticed that? It wasn't as though she'd been watching Robin drink himself into a haze in the corner and dance with the most distasteful girls. No, Maria's mind was focused on the dance and on Ambrose. Quite focused.

"You look weary, Maria. Can I get you a drink?"

"No, thank you. I believe we were out of punch, last I checked."

"My friends and I brought some refreshments just in case your little punch bowl ran dry."

So I noticed.

"No; I thank you, but I am not thirsty. I have had my fill tonight—of drink and of dance."

"Can I escort you to a table?" His hand snaked around her waist.

"Actually, I'm feeling quite fatigued. I think I'll retire for the evening."

"May I join you?"

"I beg your pardon?" She blinked.

"That is, shall I escort you to your room?"

"That won't be necessary."

"I insist."

Maria's mind raced. She could not allow this, even if his intentions were well meant. Her eyes, tired though they were, caught on a familiar figure at a table.

"As a matter of fact, I have something to discuss with my friend, Lillian. Do excuse me." She ignored Ambrose's smooth protests and offers, slipping from his grasp and making a bee line for Lillian.

"You escaped, I see?" Lillian chuckled as Maria sat down.

"I—no, he was a very kind partner." Maria's cheeks flushed.

"I'm sure he was, dear." There was something too knowing about that tone. Maria changed the subject.

"Has Coeur De Noir gone home?"

"Yes, indeed. We older folk do not have the stamina to carry on like you young ones."

"I'd hardly call you old."

"Thank you, dear. I like to think that I'm still young at heart." Maria didn't quite know what to say to that. Oh, how her feet hurt! She let out a little sigh, and in response to Lillian's questioning look, said,

"My feet are quite sore."

"I can imagine! You've been dancing for hours, it seems."

"Yes," Maria said absently. "Hours."

"Though I must say I expected to see you dance a few more with Robin." Lillian knit her brow. Maria sighed. "Come now; what's the matter?" Maria met Lillian's gaze, willing herself not to cry.

"I don't know. I don't know! He was jealous. It was one dance! And he began telling me what I could and couldn't do, and we argued, and—" she sniffed, "and then I saw him, sitting with those girls—he's never liked them before—and he was doing it to spite me. Me! I didn't start the argument. I just don't know why—" she swallowed hard, "But it is my life, and he can't just—" she wiped an eye, "And then he had to go and drink, and I abhor it when he drinks, and he knows that—" a sob escaped her lips, "and oh, I just need to go to bed!" She rose. She didn't know when the musicians had stopped playing, but now they were cleaning up. She took a deep breath.

"I'd better thank them, I guess. I know we paid in advance—"

"Don't worry about that, dear," Lillian said, standing too, "I'll thank them. You just worry about getting a good night's rest." She smoothed Maria's hair tenderly. "Things will look better in the morning, I promise. These things have a way of working themselves out."

"I—I hope so," Maria exhaled shakily. "Thank you."

"You're quite welcome. Now run along!" Lillian watched Maria trail off to her room. Smoothing a lock behind her ear, Lillian regained her composure and went to thank the musicians. She shooed the remaining youngsters from the manor and blew out the candles. What an evening! She crossed the cold, darkened for the final time, but she couldn't suppress a little twirl. She felt more like a young lady in love than Maria right now. And to think: tomorrow she would see Coeur De Noir again.

Maria nestled down beneath her sheets. Here in the solitude of her room, she allowed the tears to flow freely. The stars on her ceiling twinkled reassuringly. Why would Robin act like that? It made no sense. It made no sense at all. He had no right to be jealous of Ambrose. The dance dictated a change of partners, that was all. And Robin could not get angry every time she talked to or smiled at a young man. Ambrose had been a very nice young man. That is…he had been. Towards the end, even Maria had felt slightly more conscious of his arms around her than usual. Offering to escort her to her room was either naïvely thoughtful or terribly wicked. And offering her strong drink was not at all proper. Perhaps…Maria sniffled. She hated to think it, but perhaps Robin had had more reason than she gave him credit for. Perhaps he knew Ambrose a little better than she did. Perhaps he knew that Ambrose's intentions were not all pure. Perhaps he was trying to protect her.

And yet he should have just said so! Who was he to run her life? What right did he have…? And just this evening, he had wanted to court her. Now he was stumbling through the forest, drunk, probably with some sly girls. She shivered in her bed. Her anger was weakening, for she was so very tired. She would be angry with him tomorrow, she reasoned. And with that resolute thought, she surrendered herself to sweet sleep.

A/N: Dear reader,

Thank you for keeping up! Your reviews are heartily welcomed, as are new ideas for Moonacre (or other) stories. I apologize if you were expecting a longer author's note, for, like Maria, I am fatigued. Good day!

Your weary

Ponygirl7