A/N: A little explanation – I read this poem by Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton a few days ago and thought how beautiful it was and how well it would fit for a Guy/Marian fic. The idea is that the female speaker is in denial about the love she feels for the man she addresses. Hope you enjoy it, all credit to the Robin Hood writer and Tiger Aspect, and Happy New Year to everyone. Please read and review.
I.
I do not love thee! – no! I do not love thee!
And yet when thou art absent I am sad;
And envy even the bright blue sky above thee,
Whose quiet stars may see thee and be glad.
"Will Sir Guy not be dining with us tonight, my lord Sheriff?" Marian asks as the serving girl lays down the plates before. The Sheriff smirks. "Sir Guy has ridden to Locksley for the evening and will not be back for a few days. My, my – missing him already?"
Marian ignores the Sheriff's taunt and turns to her food. Guy's absence means a reprieve from his constant attempts to woo her. She should be glad. So why does she feel like crying?