A Moonacre Fanfiction Roman Holiday

"Goodbye!" Maria called out as she rode away in the open carriage. Anton waved back, grinning broadly. Francesca shouted out exclamations to Robin, who returned them with a vague reply just civil enough not to be considered insolent. The sun shone its late afternoon glare down upon them as they drove back to their hotel from Santa Marinella. Maria was once again bookended by Robin and Loveday while Coeur De Noir and Sir Benjamin sat across from them. Miss Heliotrope had chosen to ride up front with Digweed.

"You all look very tired. Did everyone enjoy themselves?" Loveday asked. Maria was first to reply. "Oh, yes! Santa Marinella is a beautiful beach, and Anton is such good company! Can you believe that he has read all of Shakespeare's notable works? I still have to finish his first play, The Taming of the Shrew." Robin muttered something derogatory under his breath, but Sir Benjamin was impressed. "Really? He does seem a very learned fellow." Coeur De Noir stroked his beard. "His father, too. I've never met a man who knows the Bible like Pastor Russo. Amazing what they're doing in seminaries these days."

"He certainly had a good sermon," Loveday agreed, "I would be quite pleased if we could retain their acquaintance. His children did seem nice, too. Perhaps we ought to invite them to Moonacre—" "No," Robin broke in hastily, "No. I don't think we should." Maria frowned up at him. "Whyever not?" She did not understand Robin's unjust prejudice against the Russo family. "Because…" Robin didn't really want to say it. "Robin, you must explain yourself," Coeur De Noir demanded.

"Well, if you must know, the girl, Francesca, was kind of flirting with me." Robin spat it out as though the words were sour. "Son, get used to it," Coeur De Noir chuckled. Robin let out a sigh. "No; she was just weird. And stupid. And—" "Robin," Loveday reprimanded him. He took off his hat and set it in his lap. "Sorry, but she is. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but I really don't think I can stand to be in her company for much longer." He made his feelings clear.

"What do you suggest we do?" Coeur De Nor asked his son. "We can't very well drop the acquaintance." Robin set his jaw determinedly. "And I can't very well spend another minute with Francesca." Maria frowned worriedly. She had enjoyed her intellectual conversation with Anton; she found him to be quite a stimulating person. She would hate to discontinue their relationship. But there was Robin to consider. "How about this," she proposed, "If or when we do meet the Russo family again, I will make sure you don't have to be alone with Francesca. Will that suit you?"

Robin slapped his hat back on his head and slid an arm around Maria. "You're a peach, Princess." Loveday bore a bemused smile. "I wish you wouldn't refer to Maria as a type of fruit," she implored her little brother. He grinned down at Maria. "All right then, Princess. You're a sweetheart." Loveday's eyes twinkled. "Much better."

They returned to the hotel where they enjoyed a light meal. The adults were exhausted from the day's events. Maria, on the other hand, was energized. After sitting in that carriage for so long, she needed to stretch her legs. "I won't be able to sleep a wink," she said, "Unless I do something now. Loveday, didn't you say there is an open air market not far from here?"

Loveday inclined her head. "Yes; but you mustn't go by yourself." Maria drew herself up defensively. "Why not? I'm not a child anymore, you know." Sir Benjamin's voice was strained as he supported his fiancée's opinion. "She's right. Perhaps Miss Heliotrope…" he glanced hopefully at Maria's tutor. But Miss Heliotrope's weary expression made him turn away.

"I'll go," Robin volunteered at last. "Thank you, Robin," Maria said brightly. "You aren't too tired, are you?" he grinned wryly. "Never too tired to please you." He assured her. She gave him a warm smile of thanks. "You're a sweetheart, Bird Boy." He shrugged. "I know."

In a short while, Maria and Robin were strolling up to the bustling open air market. Maria's eyes were aglow at the exotic sights, sounds, and smells that bounced back and forth within the street. People of all ages and ethnicities milled about, some selling, some buying, and some merely enjoying the festive cheer that always attended a marketplace.

"Oh, Robin! Look!" Maria dashed over to a jewelry stall. A plump, middle-aged Italian woman reigned over her exquisite works, displaying all manner of dazzling jewels on her arms and neck. "Ciao! Vuoi una multa collana? Essi sono molto economici." Robin stepped forward. "Lei non parla italiano. quanto costano?" The woman gave him a generous smile. "45.05 euros." Robin looked down at Maria, whose eager eyes implored him. "It is a good price for such pretty jewelry," he admitted. "And I did bring money—" "Oh, no, Uncle gave me money," Maria protested. "Just tell me how much."

Robin counted it out for her. "Choose your favorite." He said. She feasted her eyes on the rich gems. After much deliberation, she selected a delicate turquoise and pearl necklace. "This one," she picked it up, handling it carefully. "Là." Robin said, giving the woman her due amount. "Grazie." The woman nodded happily and tucked the money away.

Maria gazed at her new treasure. "It's so beautiful," she breathed. "Here, turn round. I'll put it on you," Robin offered. Obediently, she turned, drawing her hair over her shoulder. Robin slipped the necklace around her, dark eyes lingering on the smooth curve of her fair neck. His rough fingers were surprisingly nimble, and easily clipped the necklace into place. "There you are," he said, turning her around by her shoulders. "Beautiful." Maria's eyes danced. "Thank you; I really do love it." Robin realized she was talking about the necklace and its beauty; well, he hadn't been talking about that.

They continued down the street slowly, meandering through the marketplace. As they walked further the crowds grew denser. Maira found herself instinctively seeking out Robin's hand. He did not object, and so they walked on through the market hand-in-hand. Those who saw Robin and Maria assumed that they were a couple, nothing to be done. It was not only the fact that they were holding hands; although that notation was a dead giveaway to the bystanders. It was the pure adoration that shone in their eyes when they looked at each other, the fragile but joyous smile they held. Surely, these two young gentlefolk could be nothing but a couple.

A/N: Hello, dear reader!

I realize that the ending to this chapter was rather abrupt; I didn't want it to be too drawn out, and I am trying to keep my chapters approximately the same length. And I apologize for the unseemly delay in uploading chapters. You all know how insane schedles can be. Oh, happy Holy Week to you! (I'm publishing this on Maundy Thursday, although I'm sure I haven't the foggiest notion when you will be reading this.) At any rate, I thank you once more for patiently following this story and for all the kind reviews which you have so graciously bestowed upon it!

Yours truly,

Ponygirl7 ;)