When a Young Heart Loves (The Secret of Moonacre Fanfiction)

A Third Year, and a Prideful Discussion

The carriage filled with four young ladies stopped at the Port of London.

"Lisabetta, Catalina!" a high-pitched voice called through the crowd. A thin woman with auburn curly hair, olive complexion, and a narrow face rushed towards them. She was followed by a towering and plump man. His brown handlebar mustache was the only color on his face.

Lizzy and Cat ran to their mother and embraced her in a tight hug. She planted kisses on their cheeks and spoke to them in Spanish, telling them how much she's missed them. Both Lizzy and Cat shared their mother's dark brown eyes but only Lizzy shared her facial structure and small smile. They then hugged their father, bringing a large smile to his face, a smile much like Cat's. Mrs. Thomas thanked Maria and Jane for joining them, it was the first time either girl had heard a Spanish accent.

Mr. Thomas took them to eat at a café before their ship was to disembark. Throughout lunch, Mrs. Thomas was very doting over her daughters, much to Cat's annoyance. She also asked the girls questions, wanting to get to know them better. Maria and Jane found Mrs. Thomas to be very kind and attentive. Mr. Thomas spent the majority of the conversation studying the girls. He was focused, listening to them and occasionally would add in a comment or conclusion.

"This voyage is going to be very exciting," Mr. Thomas said as he led the group towards the ship.

"What makes this voyage different from any other?" Asked Lizzy.

"A few days ago on arriving to London, we came across merchants heading in our direction. I obtained a much better deal for our voyage, and a few days with businessmen will offer plenty of economic opportunity."

On arriving to the docks, Maria froze in place. The ship Mr. Thomas headed to proudly waved black-red flags with a black lion emblem. It was an emblem Maria had not seen in two years.

Jane wrapped her arm around Maria's and pulled her towards the ship, "Maria, what's the matter?"

"Jane, those are Robin's ships," Maria whispered. She felt her heart thumping in her chest.

"I'm sure he's missed you too," Jane said. Maria felt her blood rush to her face and a small smile forced itself onto the corner of her lips. Maria felt like a fool. Jane giggled and nudged her forwards.

Together they followed the Thomas family up the gangway. Up on deck the ship swayed with the ocean. Jane shrieked as she felt the ship roll under her. Neither had been on a ship before, they grabbed onto each other in a fit of laughter to steady themselves.

"You two will get used to it in no time!" Cat said. She came skipping towards them followed by Lizzy.

Their parents were talking to the ship's Captain and another man, it was Henry's father.

Harold spotted Maria and smiled. "Miss Merryweather, welcome aboard! Didn't know you'd be joining us," he greeted her.

"Are you two acquainted with one another?" Asked Mr. Thomas.

"Yes, he's a family friend," Maria responded.

"Very well, very well, this will most certainly be an interesting voyage."

The girls sat on a couple of crates facing the ships bow. The sea's breeze lifted their bonnets, forcing the girls to cover their heads with their hands. Lizzy and Cat were glad for more company, hoping their four days at sea would quickly pass by. Maria and Jane could not wait to discover what adventure was in store for them, although the nervousness of being on a De Noir ship had sent Maria's heart in a flurry.

From the corner of her eyes, she spotted figures wearing black bowler hats boarding the ship. All color drained from her face. Maria stood and tugged her bonnet, bringing it further down her face. Her eyes searched the ship, looking for a place to hide. She moved to take cover below deck when a warm hand squeezed Maria's. Jane gave her a reassuring smile.