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

Of Frustrating Interruptions

Their suitcases by his feet, Robin waited for Maria near the boarding bridge. From afar he could see the solemness in her face. She bid farewell to Captain Riz, promising to visit once she finished school, then made her way over to him.

"Alright there?"

Maria mustered a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, "I will be."

Robin waved goodbye to the crew and they headed towards the stables. Still hidden by the wide brim of her bonnet, she observed the people going about their day.
"Why are there so few people?"

"Doubt anyone's told you, but—er aside from limiting the ships that could dock here, we also changed Moonacre's name on a couple of maps."

"What, why?"

"Riz already proved our fears. Word's gone around and we don't want to attract any gits looking for some magic."

On the outskirts of the port town, Robin helped Maria onto his horse. Though her heart was heavy, weighed down by thoughts of her father, curses, and monsters, she settled back into him and felt some comfort in his arms. His hands on the reigns hovered above hers. Once again, their rings glistened under the sun. This time, a somber feeling nestled in her heart. This was the end of their ruse. Maria wondered what they were... sure they confessed to one another, but what if he was only spurred by the heat of the moment and didn't mean much by it? After all, he hadn't said anything since—well she hadn't either, but she wasn't sure how to broach the topic.

Robin studied her from his peripheral. She was pensive, her thumb fiddling with her ring, the occasional bright glint flashed across his eyes. Robin too wondered what would happen to them now that they were back. He squeezed the reigns tighter.
"Maria, I.... I know we'll soon be in Moonacre—" Before Robin could finish, a carriage sped past them, coming to a sharp stop at the side of the road ahead of them. To their surprise, David and Henry stood up from the front perch seat.

"Oi!" Henry waved them over. "How did you sneak by us? We were waiting by the ships! Get over here quick!"

They galloped over, now spotting Cat and Lizzy peering out the window with flustered smiles.

"We agreed to meet at the crossroads," Robin stated, a little more than annoyed.

"Sorry mate, hate to cut your honeymoon short but we need to get moving." David tossed a sack to Robin. "Get changed, we're already late! Maria you'll need to ride in the carriage."

"What are you going on about?"

"Sir Benjamin wanted to get Maria yesterday himself," Henry explained. "Took a lot of convincing to let us go as planned. Told us today he wanted us to hurry and bring her in time for dinner. We've already stalled long enough."

"I told my uncle I wouldn't be back until evening!" Maria scowled. She was still upset with her family, especially her uncle, and had no desire to see them any earlier than necessary. She had no idea what her uncle was thinking. Robin helped her dismount. His face was hard. All Maria could do was shoot him an apologetic look before stepping into the carriage, wondering what he was about to say.

A few ways away, Robin changed into his leathers and the group resumed towards Moonacre. Inside the carriage, Maria held off her friend's barrage of questions, promising to tell them of the trip when they were reunited with Jane.

The carriage began to slow and Maria looked out the window, hoping to catch Robin alone. However, as soon as the De Noir carriage pulled up to the manor, Digweed and Mrs. Heliotrope came out to greet them. Mrs. Heliotrope bombarded the girls with polite greetings and welcomes, ushering them inside. She invited the boys to stay for dinner, but the gang excused themselves, saying they needed to return and check on Richard. Maria furrowed her brow as she looked for Robin.
He helped Digweed and his friends unload the carriage. Maria rushed over and stealthily intervened, pulling him back behind his horse. "Tonight, let us meet at the old dwelling, bring your friends," Maria whispered. "We'll talk to them together."