Welcome to Return to Moonacre 2: Runaways. I am so thankful for the abundance of love that I received in the last Moonacre story, and I hope you will all give this one just as much love and support! So, let's dive right in! Here's chapter 1 and I shall see you at the bottom of the page!

Loveday rushed to her brother's side as she saw the sun begin to set out of the foyer window. She could hear the wall clock ticking as her heels tapped on the gray tile floor.

"Robin your tie is a complete mess. Here, let me do it," Loveday said in an annoyed tone.

"I have worn scarves and feathers my whole life, excuse me for not knowing how to tie a tie properly," Robin sarcastically mumbled as he fumbled with the piece of fabric around his neck. Loveday was becoming impatient. She hated to be late for things, no matter that this was about her brother, not about her.

"Maria will skin you alive if you are not at the manor on time."

"If my being late all the time was a large problem for her, she would have expressed it profoundly when she said yes to my courtship proposal." Loveday stepped back from her brother and admired her masterpiece.

"Go on, brother. I will be there shortly," she responded. Robin kissed his sister's cheek before disappearing into the hallway. This day had been a long time coming. She had known these two young people would end up together at some point in their lives. Although, this was just the beginning. Neither one would be fit to rule over the regions until they gained more experience. A simple 'first date' would suffice, for now.

MARIA'S POV

If I had to pick a favorite thing about my bed chamber, it would be the view out of my window. I was sprawled out in my favorite blue velvet chair with a book and a few biscuits when the sunset began to paint streaks of tangerine and hot pink across the sky. It was then that I heard the stomping of heavy footsteps up my stairwell. I whisked myself over to my clock, looking at the time, and only then did I know who would be bursting through my door seconds later.

"I came to check your dressing progress, but I see you have yet to even start!" Tessa exclaimed as she let herself into my bed chamber. Her arms were full of an array of different gowns and shoes for me to try.

"You seem so surprised that I'm not dressed, yet you bring in all of these gowns, like you knew that I would not be dressed yet," I laughed. Tessa rolled her eyes and spread out the dresses on my bed. I had met Tessa not long after the reviving of Moonacre. She lived in the village, but came to the manor often to assist Loveday in her dressmaking. I had not really had any true friends before, even when I lived in London, but Tessa and I connected very quickly. We were very much alike. She was fierce, and loyal to her friends and family. She came from a large family with 6 other brothers and sisters. The money she made from customers, as well as Loveday, helped to pay for her family's expenses. She may seem completely average to most, but there was something very unique about her that no one could ever understand.

"I like the blue one best, but this rose colored one would compliment your skin tone. Ahhh I can't decide!" Tessa's light chestnut hair slowly faded into a dark black. Yes, Tessa's hair color could change with her mood. When she was frustrated, it would turn into an auburn shade. When she was frustrated or angry, it would transform into a dark raven. She never had an explanation for it, nor could she control it. It had just always been a part of her.

"Now, now. No reason to frustrate yourself over choosing a dress. Robin will surely like anything that I have on," I replied.

"Maria, this is not just any gown. You must look your absolute best for your first official outing with Robin! I will settle for no less than perfection," she replied. In the end, Tessa ended up choosing the blue gown with some silver slippers. She had an eye for good fashion; I admire her for that.

"So, I scolded my brother for not being dressed in time, but I see now that my dear Maria is the one who needs scolding," Loveday chuckled as she entered the room. She placed a tender hand on Tessa's shoulder as they admired my final look.

"May I be deemed presentable now, ladies?" I said as I got up from my vanity. The two girls nodded and followed behind me as I went down to the main foyer. As I stepped down the last step, I caught sight of Robin. He was dressed in all black (of course), and surprisingly, was not wearing his signature bowler hat. My heart fluttered as he snagged my gaze and shot me a smile. His eyes trailed me from head to toe, processing my presence before him.

"There is my niece. I am shocked Maria you are never late for something so special," Uncle Benjamin said.

"Maria! My goodness there you are! You're late!" Ms. Heliotrope flung open the double doors from the study and mumbled as she came down the hallway to where we were gathered.

"That has already been established I'd say," Uncle said as he rolled his eyes at the woman.

"I suppose I got lost in the sunset out my window. Please excuse my tardiness." Tessa giggled in the corner at my attempt to be proper. Even Robin snickered slightly as I spoke. It was the only way to please Ms. Heliotrope.

"Shall we milady?" Robin said as he held out his arm for me. We climbed into the awaiting carriage and scurried away as our families waved goodbye.

"A carriage is very much unlike you, Robin. Where are we going," I asked as I admired the luxurious seats in the carriage.

"I figured you might say something like that. Driver! Pull over in one mile if you please." Some time later we came to a halt. Robin pushed open the door and held out his hand for me to follow. "Come on, Merryweather." As my feet touched the ground I saw Robin hop over a wooden fence and mount a large white horse. "I do hope you will not be afraid to muddy your skirts."

"On the contrary, De Noir, muddying my skirts is my favorite part of the day."