The Troubles from Monsters and Men (The Secret of Moonacre Fanfiction)

A Worried Discussion and Frustrating Morning

It was a breezy and cloudy day, serving to remind the city of London that fall would soon be arriving, and though the people otherwise appeared preoccupied with going about their business or merrily chatting away, some couldn't help but notice the black weatherworn carriage that reluctantly winded through its busy streets. For despite the many times the Merryweather family had embarked on this journey, there was something different in their demeanor, almost somber. A tension that revealed this trip had been made with much hesitation and after many discussions.
At the driver's seat, Digweed used one hand to steer the black stallions around the pedestrians on the street, and with the other, he held on fast to his cap, doing his best to keep the gust from blowing it off his balding head. This caused the old carriage to creak and groan, jostling its passengers within. Inside the carriage, the curtains were fastened shut in an attempt to retain the last bit of warmth that had traveled with them all the way from Moonacre.

Loveday rocked Albert asleep on her lap and bit her lips. Though a small smile played on the corner of her mouth, her worried eyes darted between Maria and Mrs. Heliotrope, observing the discussion. Sir Benjamin appeared distant, reading his newspaper, but his ears too were focused on the conversation.

"Dear, you must remember to write to us as much as you can—"

"Yes, Mrs. Heliotrope."

"And make sure to be on your best behavior—"

"I always do, Mrs. Heliotrope."

"And please my child, do not go about gallivanting through the streets of London—"

"Mrs. Heliotrope, please—"

"Maria, you must understand how serious I am! There will be no leaving the school grounds, no talking to strangers, no running off into adventures, and absolutely no 'hero-ing' on your part!"

"Mrs. Heliotrope, please, I'm not a child and it's my last year! I'll be alright."

The governess sighed and set down her needlework. She threw a glance at the covered window before giving Maria a worried frown. "That you can't guarantee. No one can. I know you're capable of caring for yourself to the best of your abilities, but they're limited. We almost lost you. Again! I just simply cannot allow another incident such as that. And besides, you only just turned seventeen, I hardly consider that to mean you're a fully independent adult."

"Oh Mrs. Heliotrope, surely you can't keep me safe forever."

"Well then, you'll have to stand aside and just watch me try! I will hear none of your protests. I promised your mother I would protect you, raise you, and care for you, and that I will! I have already gone ahead to express our utmost concern for your safety. Mrs. Watson has guaranteed she will keep a close eye on you!"

"No, how could you? Mrs. Watson needs no more reasons to feed her already obsessive tendency to nitpick at everything I do!" Maria was feeling indignant at the outcome of the events and crossed her arms. "Please tell me you did not reveal everything to her!"

"Maria! Mind your attitude. Mrs. Watson is only doing what she deems best for your development as an accomplished lady and obeying our requests to keep you safe." Mrs. Heliotrope then looked to Loveday and Sir Benjamin for support. Loveday averted her eyes and Sir Benjamin nodded his head.
"As to the extent of Mrs. Watson's knowledge, we only told her of the generations-long rivalry and Albert's kidnapping. Though I can't assure you her son didn't say much else. And Maria... I know this may seem off-putting, but we will need you to leave your pearls with us."

"Absolutely not! What for?"

"To keep both you and those pearls safe."

"But the pearls are much safer with me!"