A Moonacre Fanfiction Peace on Earth

The wedding was a gentle affair, as many happy ones are. The organist coaxed out a touching rendition of Pachelbel's Canon, Wagner's splendid Bridal Chorus, Mendelssohn's triumphant Wedding March. Robin got to walk Maria down the aisle while Sir Benjamin paired off with Loveday and Coeur De Noir escorted Lillian. None of these pairs were surprising in the least, and all of them were very pleased with the arrangement. Miss Heliotrope strode down the aisle without a hitch, affording her great relief.

The pastor was punctual, presentable, and well-spoken, all of which pleased Miss Heliotrope very much. It would not do to have a late, disheveled, mumbling pastor on her wedding day. She would not have stood for it. And Digweed even made an effort to speak clearly and strongly when saying his vows. Miss Heliotrope was radiant with joy.

It is a great comfort to be surrounded by loving family and friends for such an auspicious moment. It dulls the glamor a little, and makes it homey and warm. So although Miss Heliotrope looked very beautiful and very stiff and formal, she felt a little more at ease, which during such a proper occasion was for her a great thing.

Digweed did not feel at all at ease. Proper ceremonies were not his cup of tea. He knew that it would be like this. It was a shame for the groom not to enjoy the wedding, but really, there is hardly a groom in the world that would object to having the whole affair shortened to two minutes and reduced to everyday wear. All the finery was uncomfortable and bred nervousness. Nevertheless, Digweed was determined not to do anything amiss. He spoke out as well as he could, and stood straight and tall. This was Jane's day, and doggone it, he would do his part to make her happy.

Maria stood very still and lady-like, not daring to do anything that would mar this day for her tutor. She tried not to look too much at Robin during the ceremony; firstly, because when one must be very still and solemn, it is ever so much easier to break out in laughter, and one chance look shared between best friends can deal a tragic blow to the silence. Secondly, she tried not to look at Robin much because then she would start imagining a future wedding, which she knew would make her blush, and she did not want her cheeks to be inordinately red or to be distracted from the proceedings of the service.

Not that Robin would have noticed anyway. Being a young man, he had very little interest in the actual ceremony. He chose instead to watch the organist when he played, or to study the organ pipes, which were a fascinating array of gleaming metals. He did of course glance at Maria from time to time, but she seemed too invested in the wedding to notice him. She looked uncommonly pretty today. But then, she always looked prettiest when she was very happy. All people do.

Though Maria and Robin did not exchange many glances during the wedding, Lillian and Coeur De Noir certainly did. He simply couldn't help looking at her, and she, being so flattered by his gaze, couldn't help returning it. However, she did nothing more than look. She did not widen the soft smile on her lips, nor did she lift her eyebrows. This was her cousin's wedding, after all, and Cousin Jane must have her moment. Coeur De Noir seemed to get the hint after trying once or twice to communicate a message, and settled for the silent conversation of the eyes.

Loveday smiled broadly through the entire service. She was delighted that at last Miss Heliotrope had found true love—it never is an easy task—and this ceremony made her recall her own, another reason to smile. At the moment, she felt there was so much love and happiness and contentment in her, it seemed she could burst.

Sir Benjamin only concerned himself with standing straight for the entire ceremony without locking his knees. He had once locked his knees and almost fainted during a friend's wedding, and it was the most humiliating moment of his life. He had vowed never to repeat it.

When at last Digweed had kissed his bride, they filed out, stepping with muted giddiness. It had happened! Digweed and Miss Heliotrope were married! They reached the narthex, fell out of their orderly processional step, and fell to hugging one another fiercely and proclaiming congratulations. When every combination of people hugging had been made, they stood apart, took a collective breath of air, and smiled round at each other affably.

Then Miss Heliotrope and Digweed were to leave for their honeymoon. Maria found it almost ironic; the older couple was leaving to go have fun, while the younger people retired to the house to repose. They watched, waved, and shouted from the church steps as Digweed helped Miss Heliotrope up to the driver's seat before climbing up himself. When he settled back in the seat, took up the reins, and slid an arm around Miss Heliotrope's shoulders, he looked like a man who had finally found his place in the world.

Maria watched them drive down the street as far as she could. When she lost sight of them, she leaned into Robin with a sigh. He grinned.

"Princess, I love you, but it's bitter cold out, you're leaning into my injured shoulder, and this collar is digging into my spine. What say we go get the carriage and bring it round for the others so I can get home and change out of this thing?" Maria instantly stood up straight, apologized for leaning on his shoulder, and agreed to get the carriage, so they trudged down the steps and over to the little stable adjoining to the church. Presently they returned, and the adults squeezed into the carriage. Robin let Maria drive, since she was eager and he was exhausted. After all, the horses were more attentive to her light touch than they were to his.

"Princess, do we have to have a big wedding?"

The question caught Maria off guard, since they had only just begun to court. But the future he suggested was not one to which she was opposed.

"No, we can have a small wedding, like this one."

"This was a small wedding?"

"Usually there would be a congregation sitting in the pews."

"What?"

"We would invite friends and family." She clucked to the team, and they picked up their hoofs. "That's what most people do. This was very small and private and sweet."

"I didn't realize weddings could be so big." He exhaled a cloud of frosty air. She laughed.

"They can be as large or as small as you want them to be. But let's not worry about that yet, shall we? We've got a little time yet. Unless you were planning to get married next week?"

"Maybe. What if you get tired of me and run away with some city boy next month?"

"Firstly, I would not get tired of you. Secondly, if you think I can run anywhere in these skirts, you're much mistaken. Thirdly, I've had my fill of stuck-up city boys, thank you very much." Robin looked a little consoled. "Plus," Maria added, a twinkle in her eye, "you could very easily just kill him off. You've got a very nice knife now."

"True," Robin acknowledged thoughtfully. "I'm so glad I have you to think of these things. What would I do without you?"

"Cry every day until you fell and shattered into a million glassy pieces to be scattered by the wind and blown into oblivion," Maria answered lightly. Robin blinked. She smiled sweetly over at him.

"Thank goodness I have you, then," he said.

"Yes indeed." She turned to kiss him, but found that she could not easily kiss him while keeping her attention on the road and the team. "Sorry. Occupational hazard." She shrugged, and went back to driving, leaving Robin to grumble good-naturedly.

Meanwhile, Miss Heliotrope and Digweed—pardon, Mr. and Mrs. Dogwood (Maria was shocked to learn that Digweed's surname was, in fact, Dogwood. She had never imagined him having any other name but Digweed.)—were rewarded with a priceless expression from the fat, lace-edged woman who ran the bed and breakfast.

And that, my good friends, was the perfect ending to the perfect day.

Dear readers,

I apologize for the delay. Life often comes in tidal waves, as you well know, and I had forgotten my giant inflatable swan float at home. Nevertheless, I am glad to have cranked this chapter out, and hope and pray to relay more of their story to you soon! Thank you for your continued reviews, especially those of you incredibly kind and dedicated people who have stuck with me through each update. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

Love,

Ponygirl7 :)