𝐒𝐨 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮

Chapter 6

     Maria's POV: It's been two weeks since the attack from Will. No one has heard anything else from him since then. I have resumed my lessons with Mrs. Heliotrope. Robin has also continued his lessons to be the heir of the De Noir Catle. After our lessons, we babysit the pup and a few other rescued animals so Loveday can go into the village or meet with Uncle Benjamin. They have already started talking about wedding preparations. Sometimes when Loveday didn't need us to babysit, Robin would show me the safest ways to get around in the forest.

It was morning, and I had just woken up. I got up and ate a few cookies the Marmaduke had laid out. I made my bed and got ready for the day. I put on a dress that Loveday had set out for me earlier this morning with flowers on top that matched the dress's light violet color. The dress was more of a float one which you don't wear a cage with. I got an empty vase, filled it with water, and put the beautiful flowers into it.

I hurried downstairs to eat breakfast this morning. I got excused from lessons because Uncle Benjimen, Robin, Couer De Noir, and I will meet up with some of the villagers. Robin and I are coming along because the villagers have been waiting to meet me and ask me a few questions, and Robin's Father thinks it will be good for him to know what to do and how to act when he has to meet up with the villagers. I'm so excited but nervous at the same time.

"Good gracious, Maria! Slow down, child." I heard a voice behind me say. It was Mrs. Heliotrope.

"Sorry, Mrs. Heliotrope," I said, slowing down. When I sat down for breakfast, Mrs. Heliotrope and Uncle Benjamin wouldn't stop discussing and making plans for my upcoming birthday. I wasn't focused much because all I could think about was meeting the villagers. As soon as Uncle Benjamin and I finished breakfast, Digweed brought the carriage to the front of the manor. We were to meet Robin and his Father outside the village and ride in together. I looked out the window for the most part, taking the beautiful valley. To my surprise, Uncle Benjamin looked relaxed instead of very serious.

We met Robin and his Father outside the village. They were also riding in a stagecoach. Robin looked annoyed about something, but then he saw me, and his face lit up. We rode in, and after a few seconds, we stopped. Digweed opened the door and helped me out first, then Uncle Benjamin. Robin and his Father were getting out too.

We walked to the town square together. Uncle Benjamin and Mr. De Noir chatted amongst themselves. Then Uncle Benjamin turned to Robin and me and said, "Mr. De Noir and I were talking, and we want Maria, for you to stay with Robin and for you, Robin, to stay with Maria. No need for you both to split up. It would be harder to find both of you when were are leaving." Robin and I nodded, and Uncle Benjamin returned to talking to Mr. De Noir.

"So I heard that your birthday is coming," Robin said. I noticed some girls pointing at us, whispering. I started getting nervous.

"Yeah, I suppose it is."

"Well, shouldn't you be excited?" Robin asked.

"Birthdays have never really been a big deal to me. I've never really had anyone other than Mrs. Heliotrope to celebrate with me. Mrs. Heliotrope would bring a cake with candles; sometimes, if she could put aside some money that year, I'd get a gift."

"Oh, well, what about your Father?" Robin asked.

"He was usually deployed. He was never really home for birthdays or holidays." I said with a sigh.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Robin said.

"It's fine. I'm okay." I said. We were now in the town square. Uncle Benjamin and Mr. De Noir started talking to some adults. A girl and boy walked up to us. They looked to be around our age.