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

Of Forbidden Topics and Uncomfortable Truths

A knocking on Maria's door startled her awake. She sat up, her eyes darting around, searching for him, but he was gone. Only his red-feathered scarf remained hanging upon her vanity. Maria wasn't sure if the tightness in her heart was from relief or sadness. She hurriedly stuffed it into her suitcase as the knocking sounded once more. "Come in!"

Her friends peered in through the crack in her door, their eyes wide as they too searched her room. "Oh good, seems we were worried for no reason," Jane said as she stepped in and led the way to her bed.

Maria laughed, "What on earth are you talking about? Afraid a monster might be in here?"

"No—but a certain bird boy might," Cat teased.

Maria blushed. "What makes you say that?"

"Well, it was your last night here..." Lizzy said with a raised brow, "A late-night visit to say goodbye wouldn't be a shocker given the rest of your...secretive relationship."

Maria remained tight-lipped in a sad attempt to hide a growing smile. Her friends peered intently though, moving closer and surrounding her until Maria finally gave in. "Alright yes! He was here, but nothing of the sort happened! He hasn't been able to sleep..." Maria's face grew red with every word, "...I know how that feels.... so I..."

"So, you kindly offered your bed?" Jane finished. "The castle is rather cold. I can see this manor being far more inviting and cozy, especially when he gets to share the bed."

Maria groaned and covered her red face. "It was nothing like that! I swear it's much more innocent than it sounds."

"Oh, please do clarify Maria, because nothing since La Havre has been as innocent as you try to make it seem."

Maria laughed and crossed her arms. "It wasn't our fault the hotel clerk refused to give us a second room. As I've said a million times, nothing salacious happened between us. He was a proper gentleman."

"Except for an occasional snog here and there?" Her friends continued to tease her as they helped her get ready. Ever since finding out about Maria and Robin's secret relationship, their questions were endless, wondering how you went about kissing someone. Do you ask them for one or do you just go at it? Were they somehow supposed to know? They asked how a kiss felt and if she'd done anything more, eventually straying towards the more illicit and secretive topic regarding relationships. All four wondered what truly happened behind closed doors and begged Maria to ask Loveday.

As fate would have it, a very drowsy Loveday walked into Maria's room a few moments later. It was then that the girls managed to corner her, and in hushed whispers, asked to know about the physical nature of love.

Loveday snapped to attention; her drowsiness now gone. She had hardly slept the last few days and this was not a conversation she was prepared for. She wasn't too enthusiastic to be the one to explain that side of romance...but with their close proximity to a certain gang of eligible young men...and the recent change in Maria's and Robin's friendship, Loveday did feel a certain responsibility in ensuring their safety and reputation.
After all, understanding the process was the best way for the young ladies to know where to set their boundaries. It wasn't their fault they never received the De Noir education— though perhaps that was for the best, Loveday concluded after a second thought.
Therefore, red-faced and flustered, Loveday patted her growing stomach and sat on Maria's bed. The girls all crowded around her, eager to listen to her experienced words.

Loveday began with a brief lesson on anatomy. She did her best to educate them and remain formal amidst the gasps and shrieks from the young ladies. When she was done, their curiosity was extinguished with stunned silence. Now in shock, the girls quietly helped Maria get ready as Loveday watched with a grimace on her face, worried she had done more harm than good.