Jane paced circles around her parlor, occasionally sneaking glances outside the windows.

"Will you please settle down? All your walking is bound to carve a hole into the floor."

"What if something happened to him? What if he's been hurt again?"

James rolled his eyes. "He's sent you multiple letters, he's clearly alright. He'll make do on his promise if he knows what's good for him." James stood in front of the window, using his reflection to fix his bow tie. Though he found his sister's worries amusing, he wasn't thrilled to chaperone again. It should have been George's turn, but he found some work-related excuse to avoid his brotherly duties. James shook his head with a frustrated grunt. His bow remained a mess and he'd have to start over.

"Come here. It's a shame tying a bow isn't one of your tricks."

No sooner had Jane fixed the knot when a knock sounded at the door. "Mr. Richard Turner has arrived," their butler announced.

Jane sucked in a sharp breath and her heart quickened. "Thank you, Mr. Bates, please bring him here and alert my parents," Jane forced her speech steady. As soon as Mr. Bates left the room, she shoved her brother aside to inspect herself one last time. She brushed back a loose strand of her blonde hair into her ornate updo. She pinched her cheeks and puckered her lightly rouge-tinted lips. She straightened her blue bodice and readjusted her bustle skirt. Satisfied, she rushed over to an armchair and sat down, positioning herself to such an utmost and upright position that would make even Mrs. Watson proud.

A few minutes later, Mr. Bates arrived with Richard in tow. Their eyes met and Jane's heart swelled with emotion. His dirty-blonde fauxhawk had grown and been styled into a side-parted pompadour. He was dressed in his best evening suit and his blue eyes appeared to shine brightly. "Good afternoon, Miss Williams. Aren't you a sight for sore eyes," he said with a cheeky grin. He strode towards her with an air of properness Jane didn't know he had and bowed before her while presenting a beautiful bouquet of roses. Taking her hand, he pressed a kiss to her knuckles.

Jane smiled. "Good day, Mr. Turner. You certainly cleaned up quite nicely, I've never seen an arm sling so becoming of someone."

"I reckoned I'd try something different. Though if you miss the more roguish look, I can still be a rogue for you."

James' angry grunt interrupted them. "Our parents are waiting for you in their drawing room."

"I'll try not to miss you too much darling," he said with a wink to Jane. Turning to her brother he said, "It was great seeing you James, 'till next time."

"Don't be so quick to miss me either, I'll be chaperoning you both tonight."

Richard's face fell, but before he could protest, James swung the door open and pushed him through.

...oOo...

"Lizzy hurry! I need to be laced," Cat whined as she turned her back to her sister. She was wearing a yellow bustle gown with a heart-shaped neckline, though her bodice was slipping off her shoulders. "The carriages will depart soon!"

"Hang on Cat! I can't find my shoe —"

"—Here." Maria interrupted, handing Lizzy the missing pair. It was an ornate green silk-heeled shoe that matched her green silk gown. Maria had just entered the room and found the shoe peeking out from underneath her bed.

"Maria! You've got to hurry! We were worried you wouldn't make it."

Maria grimaced, "Mrs. Watson kept us. She wanted to ensure the final preparations were ready."

She hurried over to her bed and began to slip off her uniform. Maria brought out her dress from her wardrobe, glancing at the box with the green dress with a shiver. Her dress for the evening was a maroon bustle gown with gold embellishing. The bustle cage reminded Maria of the ones she first wore to Moonacre. The short sleeves of her bodice rested just below her shoulders, elegantly exposing her neck. She sat at her vanity and both her friends got to work. They quickly rearranged her curls into a simple yet elegant updo. As Maria watched her friends through the mirror, her eyes strayed to her pearl necklace and she hoped there would soon be a day she could wear them in public without fearing for her safety. She slipped on satin white gloves and pulled them over her elbows. She unstrung her string of pearls and removed her ruby ring, slipping it on her index finger.

Once they finished, the girls stood in a circle with their backs to one another. Maria buttoned Cat's bodice, while Cat buttoned Lizzy's, who was buttoning Maria's. Working in a team, the young ladies quickly got ready and rushed downstairs to join their classmates in line for their carriage to the ball.

At the gate, Cat linked her arms with Lizzy and Maria. "Do you have a partner for the first dance?" Cat excitedly asked.

"Will asked, but I have yet to respond."

"It's fortunate you didn't write his name," Lizzy teased.

"Why's that?"

"You'll see once we get there," was her simple response as she hurriedly pulled the girls into their carriage.

Every year, the schools joined together to create a memorable ball for their students. It was a chance to demonstrate the school's talent and create a space for the students to meet and socialize. Unlike the balls of the city where invitations were determined by your social connection and dance cards were typically prefilled, these school balls allowed all students, no matter their wealth or connections, to mingle on an equal platform. It was quite revolutionary, and not everyone approved of them, but it presented the opportunity for the students to brighten their future.

The hall's chandeliers were brightly lit, illuminating the beautiful floral bouquets that spiraled along the pillars. Flags representing each school were hung high along the walls. Elegantly dressed students mingled amongst each other, many already filling their dance cards. An orchestra played music from the corner and staff walked around providing drinks and small hors d'oeuvres for the guests. All the while chaperones and guards maintained a watchful eye.

Maria looked around and her heart ached for Robin, wishing he was here. It was him who she wished she could have her first dance with. As they walked around, she swore she saw someone who looked like David standing guard by the kitchens. Before she could approach him, Lizzy pulled her in the opposite direction towards the gardens. There in the gardens, the girls took in the enchanting lanterns hanging down the verandas, the ornate trails of flower bouquets and paper decorations trailing across the venue, and the paper ornaments adorned with jeweled baubles. Groups of young ladies, much like her own, purposely took a walk around in the garden, sharing looks with groups of young men who stood by the sides, determining who they'd like to dance with next.

As they embarked around a second turn, their headmistress announced the start of the first dance. They began to head inside when Maria caught sight of a familiar face, someone who looked just like Henry. "Lizzy, just now, was that—oh!" Maria was yanked inside.

"We must hurry!" Cat ushered her forwards.

"Wait, where are we going?"

"The first dance is about to begin," Lizzy said with a giggle.

"But I have no partner?"

Suddenly she was released near the ballroom entrance. Dancers walked towards the center, occasionally bumping into her with a halfhearted apology. Maria was confused and annoyed. When she spun around to demand what was going on, she felt her soul leave her body.

There in front of her, standing at the doorway, was Robin illuminated by the glow of moonlight bouncing off the outside fog. He was dressed to the nines, wearing a black tailcoat with neatly pressed black trousers. Beneath his coat, she spotted a maroon waistcoat with gold embroidery that matched her dress and brought out the golden hues in his dark brown hair and eyes. Upon his head was a top hat in lieu of his usual bowler. He smirked at her with a raised brow.

Maria stopped breathing as her mind struggled to comprehend. She was speechless.

The orchestra announced the first set. Behind her, dancers took their place. Robin stepped through the doorway and passed his hat to the cloakroom attendant, all the while Maria remained frozen in place.

Robin strode to her and bowed without releasing his gaze, sending a spark to her heart. "May I have the first dance?" He took her hand and kissed the back of her knuckles, releasing her from her stupor.

"Y-yes, you may."

They joined the line of dancers and faced one another as the Viennese waltz began. With the first notes, they stepped towards one another. One of Robin's hands settled just below her shoulder blade, the tip of his warm finger grazing the smooth of her skin and causing a flutter in her stomach. His other hand clasped hers and he raised it into position, then he began the lead in ¾ time.

Maria couldn't take her eyes off him, afraid he'd disappear if she looked away. She couldn't believe she was in his arms, dancing for all the world to see.

"To think I was afraid you'd be miffed," Robin said with a crooked grin. "But it seems you can't even find the words to scold me. Shocker really."

"I-I just can't believe it."

He spun her around and brought her close until her chest pressed against his. "Believe it, princess. I'm here in the flesh," he finished with a wink.

Maria's laugh chimed beautifully in his ears. She was so happy. She never wanted this night to end. "I—I simply don't know what to say. Or where to start."

Robin grinned, "I'm listening."

"How? When?"

"This morning. I'm technically Maybelle's escort, we're chaperones for the ball."

"Where's Maybelle?" Maria asked.

"She's with her friends," Robin answered. "I think."

"Is everyone else here?"

"Richard's escorting Jane. Henry and David are guards."

"I thought I saw them!"

Robin chuckled, "Well... both wanted an excuse to avoid any dancing."

Maria looked to the side and spotted Lizzy standing nearby Henry. "I can imagine, but don't change the topic. We agreed no more secrets," Maria said as she narrowed her eyes. Robin reversed the turn. He spun her in until her back came to rest upon his chest, his strong arms across her stomach. "This isn't the right choreography," Maria said over her shoulder, "and do not try to avoid the answer."

"I reckon we can make a few exceptions." He quickly pecked her cheek before spinning her back out and resuming the proper choreography, "Besides, it was not a secret, but a surprise."

"Semantics."

"Don't pretend to be mad princess, I know you're not truly upset."

Back with their friends, only Lizzy and Cat remained by the sidelines. Jane and Richard had also joined the dancers.

"Will you be dancing tonight?" Cat asked her sister.

"I'm not interested," Lizzy said, looking in Henry's direction.

"You know he did that on purpose."

"Yes, and so did David."

Cat shrugged, "No matter, there are plenty of handsome young men to dance with. I will still enjoy myself tonight." With that, Cat took her leave to interview some potential partners and fill her dance card, leaving Lizzy to slowly make her way towards Henry and keep him company.

"Good evening," Lizzy greeted him with a cheeky smile.

Henry nodded his head and clenched his jaw to prevent his smile from growing.

"It's a lovely ball isn't it?"

"Honestly, yes. I was surprised by the extravagance. I reckoned it'd be simpler."

Lizzy beamed at the compliment. "The Spring ball is no simple matter to us. It's the one day we can have fun and meet the rest of the students. I myself always look forwards to them... though surprisingly, this will be the first ball I don't dance in."

Henry cleared his throat and looked away, "You should dance. There's plenty of decent blokes out there."

"I don't deny that, though the only one I'd like to dance with is currently unavailable," she finished with a pointed look in his direction.

He couldn't help the smile as he said, "Sorry. I haven't danced in ages and wasn't able to practice beforehand."

"No matter," Lizzy said with an easy shrug, reminiscent of Cat's typical response. "Fortunately I have many things to discuss with you." Henry seemed to perk up, but unfortunately for him, the topic he was interested in was not brought up. Initially, Lizzy had planned to respond to his confession that night, but upon learning she would not be able to dance with him, she decided to tease him a bit and prolong her answer. Choosing instead to debrief him on the recent occurrences in London while pointedly ignoring his growing agitation.

Meanwhile, Cat mingled with the students, sharing greetings and pleasantries in between bits of gossip. She was a downright natural socialite, navigating through the crowds with ease. Slowly she made her way around the ball until she arrived by David's side. He stiffened when he spotted her but managed a polite greeting, seemingly determined to avoid her eyes.

"How's guard duty?" Cat asked stepping in front of him and a bit too close for his comfort.

"Dry, but considering the circumstances, I prefer it this way." He said, his eyes still determined to look everywhere else except her.

"What's the plan if, you know, things get messy?" Cat teetered to the side, trying to catch his attention. He turned his head, still avoiding her gaze.

"Get you girls out of here and head straight back to Moonacre," still he refused to look at her.

"Taking your duty a bit too seriously I see..." Cat gave up and moved to stand alongside him. "You really don't like dancing do you?"

"I'm not good at these dances."

"These dances, what do you mean?"

The tips of David's ears turned red. "I mean dances in general."

"No, I heard you just fine the first time. What's wrong with these dances?"

"There's nothing wrong. I just haven't had the time to learn."

"What dances do you know?"

David's brow wrinkled, but still, he refused to look her way. "We have different dances, 'folk dances' as you lot would call them. The De Noir's partake in them as well."

"Really?" Cat beamed. "You have got to show me!"

"You wouldn't like them, reckon they're improper by your standards."

"Now hang on," Cat scowled. "Why don't you let me determine that? Promise me you'll show me. Promise me you'll dance with me at the next one!"

David couldn't help but turn to her. He sucked in a breath as he schooled his expression. "The next one?"

"Yes, whether it's Jane's or Maria's wedding, one's bound to happen very soon. Promise me you'll dance with me!"

"I'll think about it," he said with a ghost of a smile on the corner of his lips.

"Not good enough. How about we make a deal? I'll show you a secret if you promise me a dance?" She was brimming with excitement, an excitement that gave him the feeling he wouldn't be happy with whatever she was hiding. Once again, David regretted looking into her large brown eyes. They always seemed to convince him to do things he wasn't too keen on.

"Fine, I promise you a dance at the next ball. What are you hiding?"

"Perfect!" Cat clapped her hands and tip-toed closer to him. "Look what I got!" She shoved her hand into the side of her dress and pulled out an ornate hilt. "It's a sword!" She whispered excitedly.

"What--why do you have that? How does that fit? They took all our weapons at the door!"

Cat beamed, "Pockets! No one checks the ladies for weapons. That's a 'mans' thing." David tried to demand more answers, but Cat raised her hand. "The deal was one secret. You'll get the answer to a second, once I get a second dance." Cat began to walk away but David tried to follow. "No-no-no, best you don't abandon your post!" Cat teased before scampering away to join the second dance.

Maria and Robin remained on the dance floor, neither willing to leave each other's arms, and happily began the second dance, also a waltz. A few couples down Maria spotted Richard and Jane. Jane was giggling along as Richard did his best to lead with one arm. Further down below, Cat was dancing with a young man Maria had only ever seen in passing. Cat was engrossed in a polite conversation with him, completely unaware of David's steely gaze far behind her. Much to Maria's chagrin, she also spotted one too many girls eyeing Robin, and tossed them a warning glance, though, of course, she failed to notice the boys who watched her. She brought her attention back to Robin who wore an amused expression.

"Seen all that there is to see?" Robin poked fun at her.

Maria's ears burned and she rolled her eyes. "I was simply admiring our surroundings."

"Why would you need to do that when the best sight is here in front of you?"

"Your arrogance needs measuring."

"You'd never find a long enough measuring stick," he said smugly.

"And you're proud of that?"

"Why shouldn't I be? Besides, I believe this gorgeous Moon Princess does enough to humble me."

Maria smiled but rolled her eyes with a shake of her head as he spun her around.

After their second dance, the two joined the rest of their friends. They discussed the origin of her postcards and the strange dress Maria received. Eventually planning to sneak away and investigate the house where Maybelle's letters were going. Before they could finalize their escape, Bast appeared with William in tow. He asked Cat to a dance while William asked Maria. It was a polka.

"I had no idea he'd be here," Will remarked.

"Neither did I." Maria's smile was blinding.

"You seem very excited."

"Of course!"

Robin looked on with a disgruntled expression. "Relax mate, it's just a dance," Richard jeered.

"Sod off," Robin retorted. "I'm just making sure she's safe."

"Right..."

"Robin," Maybelle suddenly appeared from the side. "We have a problem."

"What is it?" He asked, his eyes still focused on Maria.

"Charles is here." Robin's face snapped to her. "I saw him for the briefest of seconds. I tried following him, but I lost him. We need to find him."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm certain."

Robin cursed. He did not want to leave Maria, but if Charles was here, that meant he wasn't alone. He gestured for Henry and David to remain at their posts, while the rest split up to find Charles.

"Can we take a walk around the gardens?" William asked as their dance came to an end. Maria looked around but could not spot her friends.

"Oh-erm, of course," she took the arm he offered.

As she passed by Henry, she mouthed 'gardens'. He nodded his head in understanding, relieved that Will seemed not to notice. Maria and Will walked passed the veranda with Henry close on their tail. Through the students, and beyond the ball's limits, they snaked further past the gardens and into the trees, eventually losing Henry. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as she looked behind her shoulder and realized they were alone.

"It's a wonderful night," Will commented.

"That it is," Maria said with a meek smile.

"I see you didn't bring your pearls."

Maria couldn't help but roll her eyes, "I said I wouldn't."

"One couldn't help but hope you'd change your mind. After all, a lady always has plenty of dresses."

His comment made her skin crawl. She looked over her shoulder, Henry was still absent.

They walked further until they were only surrounded by trees. The canopy was heavy, little