A Moonacre Fanfiction Peace on Earth

Thus far, dear reader, you have heard only of Ambrose's Christmas Eve. Rest assured, I have no intention of depriving you of the rest of that day's events. So close your eyes—then open them, for you must of course keep reading—and rewind. We open on Maria sleeping soundly.

"Maria?" Loveday's gentle voice stirred Maria's consciousness. "Darling, it's time to wake up. Merry Christmas Eve!"

Maria's eyes flew open.

"It's Christmas Eve?" She whispered. She sat straight up. "It's Christmas Eve!" Heedless of balance, she tumbled out of bed, landing on an unusually furry rug. "Oh! Wrolf!" She rolled off him. "No, I'm all right," she bounced up breathlessly, waving off Loveday's attempts to help. "Merry Christmas Eve, Loveday! And Wrolf, of course," she dashed her hands quickly through his tousled black mane.

"How late is it? Did I sleep in? I didn't mean to. Oh, I've so much to do! Have—"

"Easy there, Princess," Robin leaned against the doorway, looking annoyingly dashing in his crisp black bowler hat.

"Robin!" Maria blinked. "When did you—oh, nevermind. Is everyone up but me? I didn't mean to make you wait to eat breakfast, I just kept sleeping—"

"It's not late," Loveday said soothingly, "it's seven in the morning. We haven't eaten yet. I just came to help you figure out your Christmas wardrobe. I don't know what Robin is here." She looked at him questioningly. He shrugged.

"Just wanted to say good morning, is all. Hey, is that a deer out there?" Loveday rushed to the window to see. Quickly, Robin snaked an arm around Maria and pressed his lips into hers in a kiss sweet as a peppermint drop, then stepped away, folding his arms on his chest. Maria's cheeks flushed rosy.

"I don't see any deer," Loveday turned away, disappointed.

"Maybe it was just a shadow on the snow," Robin suggested. "Anyway, I'll leave you two ladies to your dresses." He winked before sauntering down the stairs. Maria shook her head, smiling after him. She then turned her attention to the selection of dresses Loveday had brought in.

"I have two choices for this evening—Christmas Eve meal is always a grand spectacle in Moonacre!—and then we have two for your Sunday church outfit for tomorrow, and of course several for you to choose from for Miss Heliotrope's wedding." Maria's eyes absorbed the richness of the dresses.

"Loveday…" she could hardly find words to express herself. "How…how do you do it?"

"Most of the materials are recycled," Loveday explained, "And dresses really aren't that hard to make. Some of them were mine from when I was your age; I just had to alter them a bit. Now then, what do you think? Tonight we've got a marvelous feast planned here. Which would you prefer: rich burgundy with lace, or a deep green with gold brocade?" Loveday held the latter against herself, striking a pose. Maria grinned.

"I think I like the green best."

"Very good. Decisive. Moving on, we have your choices for church tomorrow: snowy fur-trimmed modesty or navy silk?" She ran a hand over the navy dress. "This one makes me think of the starry night on which Jesus was born."

"Hm. You're right…but it's probably best to err on the side of modesty for church," her fingers trailed over the fur, "and I won't get to wear white later, because it'll be Miss Heliotrope's wedding. Let's save the navy for another day."

"I like the way you think. You're so good for Robin. And then finally, these are the choices for Miss Heliotrope's wedding." Maria looked down at hearing this casually worded yet meaningful remark. It was good to know she had Loveday's full approval where Robin was concerned. She turned her attention to the dresses. A powder blue with contrasting orange taffeta, white satin with purple ribbon trims, and a peach blush lace sprawled across the bed. Maria immediately had a favorite.

"This blushing one is like a splash of springtime." She held it up against her. "What do you think?"

"We'll add some pearl earrings and you'll be radiant," Loveday promised. "Good, I'm glad that's settled. You can change into some house clothes until this evening." She gathered up the declined dresses in her arms. "We'll probably eat breakfast soon." After helping Loveday out, Maria selected a simple blue-gray woolen dress and muslin apron in which to work. She had to wrap presents and apparently prepare for the feast.

Maria skipped down the stairs and joined Sir Benjamin, Loveday, Robin, and Lillian for breakfast. Miss Heliotrope's place was empty, and Lillian's face was slightly pale. Maria was anxious. Now she knew how it felt to wait for someone, not knowing if they were safe or half frozen. Poor Lillian had been invited for a nice, relaxing stay. Instead, it seemed that she was waiting every other day for someone to return home from the perilous snowstorms, and now it was Lillian's cousin in danger. So Maria tried to be chipper; someone had to.

"I'm sure Miss Heliotrope and Digweed spent the night in town," she said, "they're the most sensible people I know. And Digweed has an eye for the weather, I think." Lillian made murmurs of agreement. Loveday caught on.

"Absolutely, Maria," she agreed, "And we all know that Miss Heliotrope is the least likely person in the world to take such a chance."

"Or any chance," Robin added helpfully. Maria shot him a look. He shrugged. "It's true." Well, now Maria had to change the subject, lest Robin inadvertently insult anyone anymore. "Uncle, you look refreshed. Were you out for a morning ride?"

"I delivered Ambrose back to the village," he replied.

"Oh." She'd almost forgotten about Ambrose. It'd been a pleasant experience. "Thank you for all your help, Uncle. Robin, how is your shoulder feeling?"

"All right, thanks." His eyes twinkled. "I bet I could still beat you in a snowball fight." Maria's eyes lit up—then she remembered her responsibilities.

"Tell you what: if you help me with wrapping presents and cleaning for the feast tonight, I might have time to beat you—er, accept your challenge." He pushed back his plate and licked his lips.

"You have yourself a deal."

Maria beamed.

Meanwhile, in town, Miss Heliotrope and Digweed had emerged from their respective rooms, eaten a quick breakfast, and mounted the coach.

"I never want to see that insolent woman's face again," Miss Heliotrope shuddered, drawing her coat closer around her shivering frame.

"You know," Digweed slid an arm around her, "I think we ought to go back there for our honeymoon. Rub it in her nose, don't you see." Miss Heliotrope turned to look at him.

"That's rather insolent, too," she said. Then, in the harsh morning light, she kissed him. "Let's do it."

A/N: Cherished reader,

Thanks for keeping up! Sorry, I know this chapter didn't have you on the edge of your seat. As for those of you impatient readers out there, we ARE getting closer to wrapping it up, I promise. What are your thoughts, regarding future fanfic works, on reading a screenplay? The idea popped into my head as I considered Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Tell me what you think. Also, if you have time and are bored of reading my writing, check out elking7541's Return to Moonacre 2: Runaways! It's an unfinished but developing story, well written and impressively in character. Thanks, and happy reading!

Your

Ponygirl7