Chapter 5
Maria awoke with sunlight streaming into her room. She suddenly remembered the events of last night and was extremely puzzled to find herself in her bed. She could only remember dancing, seeing Robin with some girl, galloping into the forest and then it was blank. However she had had the strangest dream, as if a brave hero was rescuing her and for some reason she could remember nestling her head into a strong chest. She even thought that he smelt like fresh nature. No, that was just a dream. But how did she manage to get back into her room? The pain of Robin's actions had not left her heart but even she was surprised at how strongly she reacted. She sat up, full of questions, when she realised she was not alone.
Around her bed were Loveday, her Uncle and Mrs Heliotrope. Her Uncle was pacing and talking to Loveday in hushed yet concerned tones while Mrs Heliotrope was sat beside her bed, looking tired and red-eyed.
"Maria, thank heavens you're awake!" her Uncle cried out upon seeing her.
"Oh Maria my child, I was so worried! And your dress! Oh my dear" Mrs Heliotrope blew her nose into the cloth.
Loveday did not say anything but the way she looked at Maria, Maria understood that she was as relieved as the other.
"What happened last night?" Maria asked.
"Well I don't know we were wanting to ask you" said her Uncle.
"I am sorry, I went into the forest during the ball" Maria said glumly.
"Well we know that, it is such luck that that Robin boy found you and brought you back here!" Mrs Heliotrope said.
"Robin?" asked Maria.
"Yes, he disappeared into the forest and came back carrying you child! He said he found you, unconscious. He refused to let go of you, he took you up here himself and stayed until the morning. He was so worried" Loveday replied.
"He did that? Is he still here?" asked Maria.
"I am afraid not, he had to return to his father this morning but you just missed him" said her Uncle.
Loveday shot her a glance which was not her usual cheeky grin. It was more questioning.
"I must see him!" Maria declared.
"But you have only just woken up, you must be tired!" said Mrs Heliotrope.
"I agree with Mrs Heliotrope, Maria, this is preposterous!" her Uncle said firmly.
"But Uncle, you don't understand, I have to see him!" Maria cried.
"Benjamin, let her go" said Loveday gently.
"Fine. You may visit him. But only shortly. No dilly dallying, I want you straight back here!" said her Uncle.
"Thank you Uncle".
Maria got out of bed gingerly, her head will still bruised. She quickly put on the nearest dress and rushed down the steps. As she approached the door, Marmaduke appeared out of nowhere.
"Marmaduke! You scared me!" said Maria.
"Sorry Princess, no harm meant. I trust you are feeling better?" asked Marmaduke.
"Well a little thank you but Marmaduke I am very sorry I am in a rush and have no time to chat!"
"Don't worry Princess, I know you're off to see the DeNoir boy I just thought you might want your biscuit and milk before you left"
Maria smiled; Marmaduke always knew what she needed. She quickly ate the biscuit and drank the milk and headed into the stables. She would take Periwinkle, the first horse she ever rode on.
As she was riding towards the DeNoir castle, she felt guilty for the way she had reacted when Robin mentioned marriage. It was just a shock as they had never really talked about something that intimate before. But as she considered it, the only man she could ever imagine marrying was Robin. Afterall she did like him very much. Maybe she even loved him?