A knocking on Maria's door startled her awake. She sat up, her eyes darting around, searching for him, but he was gone. Only his red-feathered scarf remained hanging upon her vanity. Maria wasn't sure if the tightness in her heart was from relief or sadness. She hurriedly stuffed it into her suitcase as the knocking sounded once more. "Come in!"
Her friends peered in through the crack in her door, their eyes wide as they too searched her room. "Oh good, seems we were worried for no reason," Jane said as she stepped in and led the way to her bed.
Maria laughed, "What on earth are you talking about? Afraid a monster might be in here?"
"No—but a certain bird boy might," Cat teased.
Maria blushed. "What makes you say that?"
"Well, it was your last night here..." Lizzy said with a raised brow, "A late-night visit to say goodbye wouldn't be a shocker given the rest of your...secretive relationship."
Maria remained tight-lipped in a sad attempt to hide a growing smile. Her friends peered intently though, moving closer and surrounding her until Maria finally gave in. "Alright yes! He was here, but nothing of the sort happened! He hasn't been able to sleep..." Maria's face grew red with every word, "...I know how that feels.... so I..."
"So, you kindly offered your bed?" Jane finished. "The castle is rather cold. I can see this manor being far more inviting and cozy, especially when he gets to share the bed."
Maria groaned and covered her red face. "It was nothing like that! I swear it's much more innocent than it sounds."
"Oh, please do clarify Maria, because nothing since La Havre has been as innocent as you try to make it seem."
Maria laughed and crossed her arms. "It wasn't our fault the hotel clerk refused to give us a second room. As I've said a million times, nothing salacious happened between us. He was a proper gentleman."
"Except for an occasional snog here and there?" Her friends continued to tease her as they helped her get ready. Ever since finding out about Maria and Robin's secret relationship, their questions were endless, wondering how you went about kissing someone. Do you ask them for one or do you just go at it? Were they somehow supposed to know? They asked how a kiss felt and if she'd done anything more, eventually straying towards the more illicit and secretive topic regarding relationships. All four wondered what truly happened behind closed doors and begged Maria to ask Loveday.
As fate would have it, a very drowsy Loveday walked into Maria's room a few moments later. It was then that the girls managed to corner her, and in hushed whispers, asked to know about the physical nature of love.
Loveday snapped to attention; her drowsiness now gone. She had hardly slept the last few days and this was not a conversation she was prepared for. She wasn't too enthusiastic to be the one to explain that side of romance...but with their close proximity to a certain gang of eligible young men...and the recent change in Maria's and Robin's friendship, Loveday did feel a certain responsibility in ensuring their safety and reputation.
After all, understanding the process was the best way for the young ladies to know where to set their boundaries. It wasn't their fault they never received the De Noir education— though perhaps that was for the best, Loveday concluded after a second thought.
Loveday began with a brief lesson on anatomy. She did her best to educate them and remain formal amidst the gasps and shrieks from the young ladies. When she was done, their curiosity was extinguished with stunned silence. Now in shock, the girls quietly helped Maria get ready as Loveday watched with a grimace on her face, worried she had done more harm than good.
That silence traveled over to breakfast where they were joined by Sir Benjamin who also looked as sleep-deprived as Loveday. He explained that Albert had been plagued by nightmares the last few days and was sleeping with them again. Unfortunately, this didn't seem to quell his dreams and only resulted in little sleep for any of them. Albert didn't join them as he had finally managed to fall asleep.
As Sir Benjamin looked around the table, he misinterpreted the girl's stunned expressions for sadness about leaving Moonacre. Therefore, despite his weariness, he made the extra effort to engage the girls in pleasant conversation. Asking Maria's friends about their parents and health, and their plans after finishing school. The girls easily responded to his question but avoided any eye contact. They feared their indiscretion and pursuit of forbidden knowledge would be visible in their eyes.
This made for a stiff atmosphere despite the delicious meal prepared by Marmaduke, and Mrs. Heliotrope's jolliness as she discussed her ongoing preparations for Albert's incoming sibling. As soon as they finished their food, Maria sprang up and whisked her friends away with the excuse of needing to stroll through the grounds one last time.
Now out of earshot, Lizzy burst out laughing. "I can't believe you all. First, you ambush Loveday into talking about the unmentionables, then you proceed to act stilted and awkward, as though that topic was forced upon you. I feel terrible for Loveday, she looked so worried," she linked her arms with Maria and her sister, "It's as a wise person once said, do not ask questions to which you will not like the answers to."
"Well, how was I to know it all worked...well that way!" Cat defended herself.
"I had an inkling," Jane surmised, linking her arm into Maria's. "After all, growing up around so many men, I did happen to hear a thing or two. Though I'll admit, I was hoping it wouldn't be the case."
"It's a bit frightening if I'm honest," Cat said.
Maria was silent as she pondered over her thoughts. She grew warm and felt a fluttering in her stomach as she wondered if Robin being the first to wake up had anything to do with what she learned. Before she could think more about it she was distracted by an argument between Lizzy and Cat. Cat was upset. Lizzy had called her immature and blamed her behavior on being the youngest one. In response, Cat elbowed her and Lizzy smacked her arm in retaliation.
"Girls settle down. No one is to blame," Maria interrupted before they could begin swatting at one another.
"Maria's right," Jane added. "We were bound to learn someday, and we can't keep acting like this. After all, we never know when we'll run into those of the opposite gender—Speak of the devil!"
Around the bend, they came across her brother with his luggage at hand. He looked displeased.
"Jane, someone's looking for you," he said jerking his head to the alcove. It was Richard, there was a large bouquet of roses in his hands.
"I'll be over here watching, no funny business." James made a rude hand gesture to Richard who responded with a cheeky salute.
Giddy from excitement, the girls pushed Jane towards his direction and huddled together. "Is he going to ask her to court him?" Cat asked.
"Seems like it, I still don't know what she sees in him."
A shriek from the Alcove drew their attention. Richard was hugging Jane and spinning her around. James let out an annoyed sigh.
"Guess that only leaves two," Cat said eyeing Henry and Robin who had appeared behind them. David was trailing behind. The sour look on his face faded as soon as his eyes met hers. Cat timidly waved before quickly looking away.
Unfortunately, they didn't have much time to chat as Jane had a train to catch with her brother. As they all walked back to the main entrance where their carriages awaited them, Robin and Maria hung back. "How's your father?" Maria asked, pushing all thoughts of her earlier conversation with Loveday away.
"He's awake now. I'm sorry I can't escort you back to London."
"It's alright, I know you have a lot to do," Maria smiled. She sneakily grasped his hand and gave it a squeeze before letting go.
Robin slowed to a stop; they were out of earshot of their friends. "About what Richard said yesterday—"
"Don't pay him any attention, you know how he likes to tease."
"...But would you be happy with that—with staying in Moonacre?" His true question remained unsaid.
"What do you mean?"
"I'm practically chained here. I need to stay and manage everything, but you...you're free to go as you please. Meet new people. See the world."
"This is home, my family's here.... You're here..." Maria's ears began to turn red. "Besides who's to say we can't travel together in the future...without hiding from our family."
"I like that idea." Robin's warm fingertips trailed down her arm, coming to a stop at her hand. He raised her knuckles to his lips and pressed his lips to them. He looked into her eyes, "Write to me when you get to school. I'll write often."
"I will."
Their friends began calling for them. Maria pulled his hand out of the way and quickly pecked his lips. She let go and skipped ahead.
"Hang on, I'm not finished!" Robin called. "Where is my scarf?"
"I'm afraid it's taking a brief trip to London with me!" Maria yelled back with a teasing smile as she took off in a jog to join her friends.
Everyone was saying their farewells by the time Robin caught up. He gave a short nod to Sir Benjamin's questioning look while ignoring Loveday's prying eyes. Maria was already inside her carriage, she waved goodbye when she spotted him.
"Didn't I tell you to wait?" Robin scolded with a smile as he stepped up to the window.
"Haven't you learned yet? I'm not good at following orders."
Digweed mounted the carriage, they were about to leave. Robin reached into his pocket, "Here, can you send these to Minerva and Pierre to see what they make of it?" He handed her an envelope through the window.
"Of course! I'll let you know what she says. Goodbye, everyone!" The carriage began to drive, pulling Maria's hand from his grasp. He grabbed onto the fabric of her pinky's finger, pulling the silk glove off her.
"My glove!" Maria shouted. "You give that back!"
"You'll get your glove when I get my scarf back!"
A smile broke Maria's scowl. She waved one last time before sitting back inside the carriage. Robin watched them leave until the carriage crossed the gate. When he turned around, Loveday was waiting for him a few steps away.
She wore a crooked smile, her hands folded over her chest. "Care to explain how Maria got your scarf? I know for a fact she came back from the castle empty-handed last night." She may be sleep-deprived, but she did miss the suspicious feather by Maria's balcony doors earlier that morning.
Robin sheepishly shrugged his shoulders and looked away. Loveday tugged at his ear and gave him a good scolding all the way to the manor doors. She made sure to remind him of the importance of Maria's reputation, the difficulties of an unplanned pregnancy, and the responsibility Robin had to make sure Maria was safe and well-cared for. She wasn't one to oppose passionate love, but she was not about to let her brother ruin a promising future all because he was too hasty to wait. It wasn't until Robin assured her for the hundredth time that nothing of the sort happened, did Loveday finally calm down.
In London, Jane and James departed to Bristol. Lizzy and Cat were escorted to a hotel where they would be staying for a few days with their parents, leaving Maria to sit alone for the remainder of her trip back to school. Her heart grew heavy, she already missed Moonacre terribly. She tried to keep her spirits up, reminding herself she only had a few more months left.
Upon arriving at school, Mrs. Watson greeted her at the door.
"Miss Maria, you're back. Perfect. Come with me to my office, I need to speak with you."
Maria stiffly sat down in the chair in front of her headmistress' desk. She had no idea why Mrs. Watson needed to meet with her. She had already agreed with Charlotte to meet the following day and prepare for the new semester of classes.
Mrs. Watson took off her glasses and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Maria, as you know, you're bound to finish your schooling in a couple of months."
Maria could do no more than nod.
"At first, I'll admit, I was a bit taken aback by your enrollment into this school. When I heard you were an orphan, well, I'm sorry to say this but I believe you know how I felt." Maria's mouth twisted. She knew all too well what she meant. Society wasn't fond of orphans, especially female ones. "I was afraid your uncle sent you here to be rid of you."
Maria's mouth opened, ready to retort, when Mrs. Watson raised her hand, asking her to listen as she continued.
"Though cruel, unfortunately, yes, that is what happens to many orphans. Without any money or connections, orphans are hardly seen in good society. Then, with your obsessive tendencies to read fantasy novels, and your tongue often spilling into a very country-like vernacular, I was worried you'd bring nothing but trouble. Fortunately, I can say you've proved me very wrong."
Maria stilled at the indirect compliment, unsure of how to feel about it.
"Now, I didn't bring you here to criticize or praise you, but because it has dawned on me that despite your uncle's care for you, he has failed to mention a very important detail about the terms of your schooling. For I'm sure if you knew, you would have protested long before this academic year even began.
"At the start of this term, your uncle informed me he wants you to remain here after you finish your schooling."
Maria sharply inhaled. "Excuse me—he what? He's brought it up before, but I never imagined he'd finalized it already."
"I cannot claim to be surprised...he believed it was best to keep you in London where you were safe from your family's atrocious rivalry. He asked me to guide your tutelage towards becoming a governess, or even a teacher at this school."
Putting her glasses back on, she continued, "You have proven yourself to be an excellent mentor and lecturer. I have secured enough funding to admit more girls into this school. Seeing how well you've grown; I've been considering opening the school to allow a few orphan girls as well. Those without any money will be paid for by the school. If you stay, I'd love to have you look out for them. You'd be an excellent role model. However, because I want you all to be independent thinkers, I have chosen to tell you this so that you may use the rest of your time here to decide for yourself."
Maria nodded her head. She was left speechless by the information.
"Perfect. That was all for now, I understand it's a lot to take in. If you'll run an errand for me though, please go to Rutgers and deliver this letter regarding the upcoming Spring ball. Make sure to take someone with you. I'm sure the walk there will help order your thoughts.
Oh, and one more thing," Mrs. Watson added. "If you'll allow me to add my opinion, I do believe you'll do well here in London. There is no better place to grow your connections than in a city such as this. I am sure you'll have no problem finding suitors here either. I've heard from Sebastian that young mister Harrison has grown quite fond of you. If you remain here, I'd be happy to oversee any courtship deemed appropriate."
Now red, Maria slowly stood up and mustered a response, "Yes, thank you, Mrs. Watson. I—I'm sure Mrs. Heliotrope and my uncle will be happy to hear that." She then tried to change the conversation. "Where will the ball be held this year?"
"Princely, we've kept the same rotating pattern for a very long time. Oh, and Maria, if you see Sebastian, please remind him that his father and I will be expecting him for dinner."
...oOo...
The spring days passed by, keeping Maria and Robin busy with their daily lives. Maria balanced her own classes while teaching a shared literature class alongside Charlotte. During her free time, she anxiously mulled over Mrs. Watson's offer. The prospect of helping other girls with a similar tragic history was inspiring to her. It was a wonderful opportunity to change their lives and society's view towards orphans as well. However, the idea of prolonging her time away from Moonacre, her family, and Robin, pained her heart. She spent many days and hours confiding in her friends over this difficult decision. They encouraged her to talk to Robin and her family about it. Though she wrote to Loveday and Robin often, she did not mention this in any of her letters. Then there was the matter of letters she had begun to receive from William. Though they were cordial, Maria was always hesitant to respond, knowing from Mrs. Watson that courtship was the driving motive behind them. Unfortunately for Maria, she was unsure of how to reject him, since he had yet to make an offer or even hint at one in his letters. As a result, she was left writing short and delayed responses under the pretext of being busy.
Back in Moonacre, Robin remained busy managing the castle and all its affairs. He wrote to Maria constantly, often sending her a dried flower or two among his letters. Though his father was much better, he was in no shape to resume his role as Coeur of the castle. In a strange turn of events, Robin realized he didn't mind the work as much as he thought he would. His friends and family were relieved too, it kept him from brooding and moping over how much he missed Maria. They weren't eager to go through a second round of that.
During one late afternoon, Coeur trudged into his old office where Robin was occupied drafting some documents regarding their fishing business.
Robin threw him a quick glance before focusing back on the accounting papers in front of him. "You're supposed to be resting."
His father grumbled some unpleasantries and took a seat across the desk. "I'll be damned if I remain in bed for another day."
"Suit yourself," Robin muttered with a shake of his head. They sat in silence for some minutes. He scribbled away while his father watched.
"How's that memory of yours?" His father asked.
"Still gone."
His father grunted. "Doubt it matters anymore. You seem to be doing well without it, or so I hear from Dulac and Havisham."
Robin didn't say anything, he wasn't sure what to say. It was times like these where the cloudiness of his head grew stronger, as though struggling to reconcile what he used to know of his father, against what he was now seeing.
His father looked around the room. He shifted in his seat. He crossed his arms and then uncrossed them before finally shaking his head and forcing the words out of his mouth, "You've become the proper heir."
Robin's brow furrowed. This certainly wasn't the conversation he was expecting.
"I want you to continue working alongside me," his father continued. "That is if you want to. You'll learn how to be this family's head."
Robin looked up. He met his father's eyes and thought about his words for some time. Then he nodded his head and resumed his work.
Coeur clasped his hands, then unclasped them. At not receiving any more from Robin, he rolled his eyes and cleared his throat, "You'll also have to decide who will stand by your side. After all, the question of who will bear your own heir is another important factor for the clan to accept you. No doubt you're already thinking of the young Merryweather."
Robin choked on his spit. He cleared his throat. "I don't want to force
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