A Moonacre Fanfiction Roman Holiday

Maria was the first to hop out of the carriage when they reached the Villa Borghese gardens. As expected, Robin was second. Pastor Russo, Anton, and Francesca were already waiting, one with a reserved calmness, one with a warm smile for Maria, and one with very bouncy curls. I will leave it to you to discern which person of interest bore which attribute. Robin subtly slid his hand into Maria's as they stepped forward to greet Anton and Francesca.

"Good morning," Anton said with a bow. Maria curtsied. "Have you been to these gardens before?" she asked. He nodded. "Yes; I admire them very much. And being with someone new will make it much more interesting. Shall we?" he offered his arm. Maria glanced up at Robin. "Actually, I'll stay with Robin. But please, lead on." Anton gave Robin a curious look, but ushered them on into the gardens.

Maria was astounded by the utter beauty of the gardens. Tall marble statues of Roman gods and goddesses lined the walkways, and she could see a handsome building constructed in the style of the ancient Romans. A glassy lake sat contentedly amidst the lush greenery, reflecting the quiet serenity of the plants. Proud trees escorted them down the paths, casting a cool, soft shadow as a protection from the warm, jolly sun. "Amazing," Maria marveled at the exquisite flowers. "We have nothing like this in Moonacre." Robin chuckled. "We prefer the wild side of nature." Maria smiled up at him, eyes twinkling. "Yes, we do."

"So," Francesca said abruptly, taking Robin's other arm, "I was wondering if you wanted to go for a walk in the marketplace later? I always enjoy a walk with a handsome young man." Robin cast a sidelong glance at Maria, who carefully maintained a demure expression. "I'm afraid I already explored the marketplace with Maria yesterday," he said, attempting to sound apologetic.

"I'm sure you had a good time," Anton said, hoping his sister wouldn't embarrass him. "Perhaps we can go through the market later, Francesca." She tossed her curls. "Actually, I'd rather not," she said decidedly. "Perhaps Robin would like to go boating again." Maria came to the rescue. "I think too much sun is not good for Robin. He has…uh…a delicate complexion." Robin struggled to contain a chuckle. Anton frowned, but said nothing. Fortunately, Francesca was too depressed by this dismissal of her request to notice how ludicrous the dismissal itself was.

"Maria, would you care to join me at the Angelica Library later?" Anton offered. Maria bit her lip. She hated to decline such a kind offer when Anton was really being quite sincere, but she'd rather stay with Robin. "I think Robin and I have plans," she said, hoping Anton wouldn't pry into what plans exactly they had. Being a gentleman, he didn't.

"Where are the adults?" Francesca demanded, growing bored with Robin's ignorance of her presence and refusal to leave Maria. "I believe they are far behind us," Robin said absently. "You're welcome to join them." Francesca, eyes flashing with something of anger, said, "I believe I shall." She turned on her heel and flounced off down the pathway. "I apologize on my sister's behalf," Anton said. "She sometimes forgets her manners." Maria couldn't help grinning. "And yet, some people find that strangely attractive. I can't understand them." She squeezed Robin's hand, and he knew the full meaning of her words. Robin was certainly not most learned in the region of etiquette, but Maria loved him anyway.

This was all lost on Anton, who continued to walk awkwardly down the path with them. "It certainly seems very quiet," Maria said presently. "That'll be the absence of the lady," Robin said slyly, referring to Francesca. Maria gave him a slight disapproving look, but she couldn't help smiling. Anton noticed this smile. He also noticed that there was something…more. He'd known that Robin loved Maria—he could see it in the boy's eyes—but now there was something in the way Maria looked at Robin…

"Pardon me for asking," Anton burst out suddenly, "But something is different today that I don't understand. Forgive me if I seem impudent, but what—" "Maria mi ama, Anton. E non c'è niente da fare." Robin broke in with a grin. Anton was taken aback. "Oh. Ah—Buon per te. Credo che lei è una ragazza più sorprendente . Trattare lei ... bene." Robin nodded, dark eyes solemn. "Grazie. Lo farò."

Anton bowed to Maria and walked off down the garden pathway. Maria turned to Robin. "What was that all about?" she asked, studying her dear Robin's face. "Anton wished me well. He is all right with…us." He replied. Maria sighed, fiddling with Robin's neck feathers. "I hope he isn't angry with us." She said. Robin looked past her. A grin began to spread on his face. "Don't worry about that," he said. "Look." Maria looked over her shoulder and couldn't help but smile at what she saw.

Anton had found a very pretty girl wandering in the garden, it seemed, and was giving her a tour. "I hope she is nice." Maria said. "I would hate for him to be disappointed." Robin chuckled. "You girls leap from one thing to another so fast! Why can you not slow down and take one thing at a time?" Maria cocked her head. "What do you mean?" Robin gestured to Anton and his newly found friend. "He just met her, and now you're talking about their budding relationship. Really, it's a little premature now, don't you think?"

Maria rolled her eyes. "Well, you boys tend to err on the side of too slow. You can be afraid of what your beloved will think of you; so afraid that you mightn't tell them that you love them at all! And that can only end in heartbreak." Robin held up a finger. "Ah, but only when their beloved truly loves them!" Maria shrugged. "Yes. But more than likely, she does love him." Robin raised an eyebrow. "Oh, is that usually the case?" Maria's eyes danced, and she planted a feather kiss on Robin's teasing lips. "It is." A signature roguish smile was soon scrawled across Robin's face. His dark, bird-like gaze rested on Maria's twinkling chestnut eyes. "I'm still listening."

A/N: Dear, dear reader,

Well, I think I shall end it here. Nothing to be done. I hope this has satisfied you, and that you do not hate me for this being too short or…or whatever. Thank you so very much for continuing with me on this, my journey through my first chapter story. Thank you also for the many kind reviews which you have taken the time to record. I assure you that I by no means intend to abandon the Moonacre fandom, and that I already have some developing ideas for a next story. May your literary life be long and happy!

Many thanks and blessings,

Ponygirl7 :)