Moonbeam - A Robin De Noir Story (The Secret of Moonacre)

CHAPTER 5

Constance had nearly fallen asleep whilst sitting in her comfy little window seat the night prior. However, once her head fell off her right hand it jolted her awake and she realised how the temperature had dropped.

The soft silky sheets of her new bed called her and within moments she was sound asleep. Not once did she wake. Not even the sun could reach where she lay. The tranquillity was blissful, she had not had such a restful sleep in a long time.

Her eyes fluttered open as she gazed at the sky painted ceiling - taking it in for a few moments. Pulling herself up and resting her back against the headboard her eyes scanned the room. Even though her curtains and shutters were closed a gentle glow shone around the room.

Her arms reached above her head stretching as her head moved to the right where her many chests should have been. Her eyes widened in shock. They no longer stood beside her bed in the messy pile she created. Instead, they were placed neatly in the corner with all of her things unpacked.

Constance jumped from the comfort of her bed covers and shot across the room. Her small fingers pulled against the wardrobe handle and there before her, hung all of her gowns. Below them stood her shoes in neat rows. Beside the wardrobe was her new dressing table. Her jewellery box stood ready along with her precious music box next to it. Her various brushes and combs were lined neatly across the desk space.

Yes, she was a very organised person, she had to be with Miss Heliotrope on her heels every day, but this was something else. Everything had its spot and it was far better done than what she would have conjured up.

Constance, completely dumbfounded, decided to get a better look around her room. To do that she would need light. She skipped with excitement towards her windows opening each shutter and curtains hastily. Each time she opened one she would admire the view it presented her. On the right side of her room, she was now able to see the true size of the forest that bordered her property. Her pearl eyes danced across the emerald green but stopped when they met a stone structure embraced between the tall oaks.

The pale stone brick shone brightly in the morning sunlight. A medieval castle structure perched on the hillside with what seemed to be red and black banners hung across various battlements. It stood tall gazing out at its dominion. In Constance's mind, she knew that whoever lived there had some sort of authority within this valley. She would have to ask her Uncle about it at breakfast.

Breakfast! She had no inkling of the time but she knew that she was either late or she would be late at this rate. The wardrobe still stood open and she pulled the first dress from the hanger that she could reach. Then she darted to her drawers to fetch her undergarments such as her shift, corset and stockings.

If Miss Heliotrope had seen her at that moment, she would no doubt have had heart palpitations. Constance lay on the bed in the most unladylike position. One foot was lifted in the air as she quickly pulled her cotton stocking up to her knee before doing the same with the other. She then straightened her shift and messily tied her corset which conveniently had the laces on her side.

The aquamarine material of the dress shone in the light. The small delicately embroidered flowers in the most beautiful blush and butter colours accented the dress perfectly. The hues of the dress complemented Constance's fair complexion and enhanced her features. Her doe-eyes shone brighter and her pink cheeks radiated a soft warmth. She was in that moment the true definition of radiance, despite the tangled mess of hair.

Her attempt at keeping it neat last night with braiding it tightly had not worked. However, it was not a complete disaster. As she unwound the strands that still lay in place the waves cascaded past her shoulders down to her waist. The vibrant copper hue seemed to be like the sun itself not only due to the colour but the soft, glossy characteristics it had.