The Secret of Moonacre 2: The Shrouding Darkness

Chapter 20: Derrek George Merryweather

Maria sat by the stream with Robin. Her feet dangled in the clear, cool water. It was the morning after the party. Wiggins was curled up in some thick moss near them. His tiny paws twitched as he dreamt. Maria giggled. She turned her gaze to Robin. He smiled at her. He reached over and took her hand. Maria smiled at him.

“I’m so glad it’s all over now.” Maria murmured. “I just wish it had never happened in the first place.” She added quietly. Robin peered at her for a long time.

“I don’t.” He whispered.

“What?” Maria looked at him oddly. “Why?”

“Because we might not be sitting here next to each other now, knowing how much we love each other.” He replied simply.

“Oh.” Maria replied quietly. She leaned her head on his shoulder and he rested his cheek on her head. They sat like that for a long time.

“Robin?” Maria breathed softly.

“Yes?” Was his answering question.

“I was sad until you caught me too.” She whispered. He stared into her eyes for a long time.

“I’m glad.” He murmured.

He lingered in his thoughts as she fell silent. Had she caught that earlier? Had she known that he loved her the whole time? If so then why hadn’t she responded? Had she even loved him before she left? His heart gave a lurch at the thought. He shook his head so hard that his hat fell off and his wild curly locks bounced. He blinked and jerked forwards, struggling to catch his hat as it rolled down his leg and towards the water. Maria was faster and lurched forwards, catching it as it rolled off the bank. She had just barely saved it from a severe soaking. She handed it to him, smiling. Robin let out a breath and smiled at her. He hugged her tight and she placed his hat firmly on his head.

Suddenly the bushed behind them waved wildly and Henry and Diana burst into the clearing, both out of breath.

“Robin….Maria.” Henry gasped. Diana briefly rested her hand on his shoulder.

“Maria, Robin, Loveday is having her baby.” Diana said more calmly, but still excitement was evident in her voice. Maria and Robin’s eyes widened in shock then they both jumped up and ran towards the castle, stumbling as they went. Diana rolled her eyes smiling. She picked up Wiggins and raced after them, Henry right behind her.

All four burst into the castle and Henry and Diana headed for the dining room with Wiggins while Robin and Maria pounded down the hall to Loveday’s room. The door was open. They entered and stood near the door. However after she beckoned them the two moved to one side of the bed, standing next to Loveday. She was propped on pillows with a pale blue blanket draped across her lower half. A doctor stood at her feet. Loveday looked up at Maria as she approached. Sir Benjamin stood pacing on the other side of the bed.

“Hi.” Loveday greeted, panting softly.

“Hi Maria replied. “How are you doing?”

“Good.” Loveday said. She winced and gritted her teeth as a contraction seized her body and Maria saw a powerful ripple pass through her belly. She let out a breath when it had stopped. Maria held out a hand.

“Here. Squeeze when It hurts.” She said. Loveday smiled up at her and took her hand gratefully.

“Ok.” The doctor instructed. “It’s time to start pushing.” He said. As the next contraction hit she pushed with all her might, grunting. Maria grimaced as Loveday practically crushed her hand. But she stayed strong. Sir Benjamin had frozen and stared at his wife in horror. Robin looked sick. As the next contraction hit only a few minutes later Loveday cried out as she pushed. Maria supressed a whimper as her hand turned purple and she heard something crunch beneath Loveday’s iron grip. Suddenly Sir Benjamin’s eyes rolled to the back of his head. He wobbled a moment before collapsing. The doctor rolled his eyes, and set aside a bloody cloth. At the sight of that Robin fainted too. The two women stared between the two then rolled their eyes.

“Men.” They grunted in unison. The doctor smirked.

“Happens a lot.” He chuckled. Then said, “Ok. Almost there. Just one more BIG push!” He encouraged. Loveday squeezed her eyes shut, screaming bloody murder and pushing. As it stopped a small cry rang out. Maria and Loveday’s eyes snapped open and darted towards the sound. The doctor was smiling. He held up a tiny wet bundle, cleaned and wrapped in a towel a moment later.

“It’s a boy!” He exclaimed. Tears streamed down both Loveday and Maria’s faces as he handed Loveday the wrapped infant. Maria’s own heart filled with love and a fierce protective instinct. She smiled and laughed softly and wonderingly at her tiny cousin. She strolled his little hand with one finger and he opened his eyes. They were milky blue. He closed his little hand on her finger as he looked blearily around. Loveday smiled, truly glowing with pride and love. Maria felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Robin smiling over her shoulder. Another moment passed and Sir Benjamin was standing beside the bed, smiling as he gazed at his son’s tiny innocent face.

“I must be on my way.” The doctor said, promptly evacuating the room. A few minutes later they heard a horse whinny and a cart lurch forwards on the gravel. Loveday did not seem to notice. She was smiling fondly down at the child, as though her entire world revolved around that one little being. Benjamin sat on the edge of the bed gazing with amazement into the large doleful eyes. Maria led Robin a ways away to give the new family some space.

“I didn’t know the mighty Robin was scared of birth.” Maria teased him quietly as she turned to him. Robin glared at her smirking.

“I’m not!” He huffed. “I’m absolutely terrified!” Maria smiled with a laugh and nudged him with her shoulder. Suddenly Loveday looked up from her child, eyes shining.

“His name is Derrek. Derrek George Merryweather.” She stated proudly. Benjamin’s eyes shone.

“Perfect.” He murmured softly. Maria and Robin walked over smiling.

“Welcome to Moonacre Valley Derrek.” Maria said.

“And welcome to MoonPearl Forest.” Robin added.

The tall boy who had long ago stolen her heart took Maria’s hand as they gazed into the tiny sweet blue eyes of Derrek Merryweather.