The Secret of Moonacre - SECRECY

Chapter 46

After being sat down admiring the sky and getting excited about our future, Robin and I made our way back to the manor. We led Tarquin by our side and we walked hand in hand back through the forest following the petal and candle trail.

"How are we going to tell everyone?" I asked Robin, gazing up to him.

"Well knowing my sister she'll look at your hand immediately then shriek out 'ooh they're getting married! Oh! Oh! Oh! Preparations go!'" he mocked in a hight pitched voice. "Through that the whole bloody valley will know"

I burst out laughing, "Oh my, that's exactly what she'll do"

"Exactly" Robin agreed, chuckling.

We eventually found our way out of the forest and out to the front of the manor where the candle sticks were lit at the front door.

"I should probably put Tarquin away with Periwinkle" I told Robin, pausing before we turned left to the manor.

"Of course my princess, I'll come with you" Robin offered, taking Tarquin off my hands and leading him down to the quiet stables. Once down the path he removed Tarquin's bridle and he trotted off into the paddock to the seemingly jealous Periwinkle who nipped at Tarquin at first then went back to grazing.

"I'll never understand your love for those animals" Robin chuckled shaking his head and taking hold of my hand.

"That's because you're not me silly" I giggled. We placed the bridle on the fence post and walked hand in hand back up to the manor.

When we were at the front door we paused and I looked to Robin. "Are you ready?"

"More than ever" he smiled, squeezing my hand.

I nodded and we pushed the huge door open and shuffled into the front. The fire was flickering and there was of course shandy on the side table. It was unusually quiet, there were no voices to be heard echoing throughout the manor.

"Where is everyone?" I whispered to Robin.

He glanced around the cleared his throat. "I actually don't know" he said a little loudly.

As if on que violins were heard from over the balcony and the band appeared dressed in tails and bow ties. I chuckled and the music filledy ears. "What's going on?" I asked Robin.

"Eeek! Congratulations!" Loveday squealed as she skipped around the doorway.

"You knew didn't you?"

"Of course I did Maria! How else would I get you to take that route?" Loveday kissed both of my cheeks and then ruffled Robin's hair.

"Oh Loveday, I'm so happy. I love the band" I told her.

"Thank your fiancé for that" she winked at him and he rolled his eyes. "He's not very lovable is he?" She teased.

"Hey, he's very lovable thank you" I defended giving Robin a side hug.

"Can we proceed now please?" Robin sighed wrapping his arm around my waist.

"Oh yes! Of course" Loveday clicked and led us to the round room with the piano in, also where the Christmas tree was. But it was empty. Then again I spoke to soon.

"Congratulations!" A chorus of voices said from behind us. I span around and there were more people than when we had left the manor.

I beamed as Uncle followed by his friends, Loveday's cousins, Kathleen and Lester, the Coeur De Noir, Charlotte, Alex, Elisabeth, (who I had helped and given a pup to) and many other of my people from the village, erupted from the hall, idling and bouncing around just as much as I was.

I felt my cheeks flush a bright red and Robin chuckled and shook his head beside me. I squeezed Robin's hand as a thank you for the party.

Bursting through from the back, Charlotte handed me a glass of wine and Robin a bottle of beer. "Let's celebrate!" She exclaimed.

"Let's all move through to the dance room!" Loveday beamed, skipping through to the west wing.

We had a dance room? I gave Robin a confused look which he returned but we followed the party through.

Everyone burst through the doors and I noticed that one of the unused rooms had been converted into a dance hall. The windows were draped with cream curtains, which were open looking out to the night's sky. The frames were painted white and the glass was gleaming. There was a wall sit, fitted with plump pillows. Inside, the floor was checked black and white, and the walls were painted a baby blue with a white rim a quarter way up. At the far side was a small stage, equipped with stands and wooden music holders with red curtains either side, ready to be tugged down.

The guests flooded the floor, the band of violins and the pianist, following closely behind taking their place at the stage. My face was beaming and Robin squeezed my hand next to me.

"Do you like it?" He whispered in my ear.

"Like it? I love it Robin, it's beautiful!" I replied, my smile spreading further across my face.

He nodded in approval and pulled me on to the dance floor. His hand fit nicely into my waist and he pulled the other up for me to join. He circled the floor, being careful of my toes and we danced for what felt like hours.

After that time, the music faded, the doors reopened and Uncle and Loveday waltzed through.

"Good evening all" Uncle greeted to our many guests. "Today we are celebrating a long awaited and wonderful occasion"

My cheeks flushed a bright red to match Robin's as the crowd applauded and peered at us.

"These two inspiring young people have been the talk of the village for many many years. We could all see that they were meant for each other, and they always shall, no matter what the future may bring. Therefore, as my pre - wedding, but engagement present, I would like to give you both the keys to this manor"

I gasped and placed my hands on my cheeks as tears welled up in my eyes.

"It is free for the both of you to use however you may wish. You can redo it, make it your own with no strings attached, this old place needs the touch of Maria and it is what it shall get. Congratulations to the both of you and may the future be in your hands" Uncle concluded. The crown again burst into applause and cleared a path through the middle for me to jump onto my Uncle.

"Thank you so much!" I sobbed into his coat.

"You're very welcome, my sweet sweet child"

I felt Robin's hand on my back and I pulled away. "Thank you Sir" he said, beaming away. I always knew he would have loved to have this manor.

Uncle nodded "You two ought to treat this place with care and respect. It's what it deserves after all it's been through"

"Don't worry Sir, this place shall become a proper home and place for everybody to enjoy soon enough" Robin smiled enthusiastically.

Indeed it would be. I knew my exact plans for this manor and I couldn't wait to get started.

* * * * * * * *

"It feels strange you being able to sleep here" I chuckled to Robin. Uncle had allowed him to live with us now, after all, it was his home now.

Robin lay next to me, cuddled up in my bed, a beautiful smile upon his face. "I love you Maria"

"I love you too Robin" I smiled. "Sleep tight" I nestled my head into his chest and his arms wrapped around my body, pulling me against him.

"Sleep tight Princess" he mumbled.

A/N - I AM SO SORRY I'VE BEEN GONE SO LONG.

But hey I'm back and I hope you haven't given up on this yet, we're almost at the end and I'm looking forward to writing these next chapters :)

Sorry for the poo chapter but you deserved an update for being fab readers!

Love you all x