The Secret of Moonacre 2: The Shrouding Darkness

Chapter 19: Dinner for Two Families

Maria smiled. She held Wiggins in her arms and Robin stood next to her. He had one arm wrapped around her and they both smiled as the photographer snapped a picture.

“Perfect.” He said. He took his camera and left. Dust from the wagon drifted away in the warm breeze.

Maria smiled at her Robin. He grinned back down at her. Maria already knew what she was going to do with her specially ordered copy of the picture. She giggled with her locket. Robin glanced at her and smiled. Prince nickered behind them. He and Princess had been set up behind them for the photo and Maria patted them both as Digweed led them past. He was looking stressed again so Maria patted his arm too, making him smile a bit. Loveday and Sir Benjamin were watching from the Piano room window. Loveday had a goofy smile on her face and Maria returned it, squinting against the warm sunlight. Robin was walking back into the castle and Maria followed, adjusting her grip on the puppy. Wiggins squirmed and whined. Maria giggled, rubbing the fidgety pups ears. When they walked in Maria spotted Digweed first. He was back from the stables and running around frantically. She wondered how he had returned from the horses so soon. Maria leaped forwards and intercepted him. He halted abruptly.

“Digweed! Calm down!” She instructed.

“I can’t Miss Maria.” He said, eyes wide. Maria blinked in sympathy.

“Telling Henry when you’re like this is not good.” Maria said. Digweed looked down at his hands and Maria grabbed his shoulders gently, making him look at her.

“Listen Digweed. You don’t need to worry about Henry. He is a very understanding and forgiving guy. He will listen and forgive you.” Maria told him. Digweed met her gaze gratefully. He looked at her for a moment then smiled.

“Alright Miss Maria.” He said. And he did seem to visibly relax. His tense posture melted away and his eyes began to regain some of their cheerful spark. Maria smiled and walked away.

The thought of tonight made Maria shiver with excitement. Tonight was the night when destiny fell into place, like a large, complicated yet beautiful puzzle. Tonight Loveday had arranged a dinner with the De Noir’s and the Merryweather’s as well as some high ranked villagers such as the Priest, head of security and a few of the wealthier families. Maria had, with Loveday’s permission invited Diana as well. It was a surprise for both her and Henry. It was going to be amazing. Digweed was going to tell Henry of his story, Henry might tell Diana how he felt about her. Maria smiled. She and Robin were to perform the Love Waltz together during the dance instead of Loveday and Sir Benjamin. Both had agreed that the children did it far better anyways. Maria was really looking forwards to this evening.

Maria suddenly pelted up the stairs. The guests would be arriving soon and Maria had to get ready. Robin was already getting ready in his room. When Maria closed and latched her door she set Wiggins down and began sorting through her dresses. She eventually settled on a dark blue dress with gold trimming. It was one of Loveday’s old dressed. When she had slipped into the dress Maria went to her mirror. She brushed her curly auburn hair until it was fluffed up and shone beautifully in the light. She seemed to be just glowing. Maria smiled at her reflection. She picked up Wiggins and headed downstairs. When she was nearing the bottom there was a rap on the front door. Maria walked over to it and opened it. Diana stood there in a lovely red dress. Her long hair hung loosely around her should and a radiant smile stretched across her face.

“Good evening Diana.” Maria said, letting her in.

“Good evening Maria.” Diana replied, entering. Both stood near the door talking for a while before someone else knocked. Maria opened the door and the Coeur stood there. He beamed down at her.

“Good evening Maria.” He greeted, entering. More De Noirs and close families and associates filed in after him. Everyone was in a good mood, even the usually cranky Dulac. If you could call a slightly less intense scowl and no downright glaring a good mood. Henry was the last to enter after David and Nolan, who each cheekily kissed her hand before darting off towards the ball room. He immediately stopped and stared at Diana, then glanced sharply at Maria. She smiled and he returned her smile. He then walked to Diana and greeted her, bowing deeply and kissing her hand with the utmost gentleness. She giggled and blushed, before allowing herself to be led away to the main room. Maria grinned.

“Princess?” A voice called. Maria turned around to see Robin walking down the stairs. He wore a black suite with a red bowtie around his neck. His wild curly hair had been tamed as much as possible but he still wore his precious hat. Maria walked up to him and he bowed, taking her hand and kissing her cheek softly. She smiled up at him and he led her into the ball room.

“Come on! You two are playing now!” Loveday said and appearing and jostling them towards the piano. Robin protested and Maria just smiled. Soon they were both seated at the piano.

“I can’t do this.” Robin said, swallowing. Maria took his hand and stared into his eyes for a long moment. He took a deep breath, relaxing as Loveday announced them playing. Robin wiggled his fingers before stroking the keys into a flowing stream of sound. Maria joined in. Their notes wove into one another, creating a beautiful and amazing harmony. The crowd seemed to have frozen, and stared in awe as they played. Some had tears in their eyes. Some laughed in melancholy joy. Some began dancing while others closed their eyes and listened, smiles on their faces. She saw Henry. He was looking at Diana intently and saying something quietly. After a moment Diana smiled wide and hugged him, squealing a ‘yes’ that Maria barely heard but it made her smile. They started dancing, Diana’s head resting on Henry’s chest. Maria smiled. Maria and Robin’s music wove through the room, bringing people together and lifting hearts. It was amazing and beautiful and by now there were very few dry eyes. Maria fell captive to the music and it became all she knew. She and Robin played on. Together. Intertwined. Forever like their music. Meant to be sitting there together, playing together, always.