A/N - I've got a fair bit of this one written. It follows canon for the first couple of chapters then changes from then on. Please read and review.
Fine Lines
Prologue: Reflections
The loud, incessant knocking brought Marian out of her reverie. She blinked the tiredness out of her eyes and stood. She knew it couldn't be her father back yet so she hurried to the door as the knocking continued, thundering on the wood.
Marian opened the door to see a tall, dark stranger wearing all black leather stood outside holding a horse.
'Is Sir Edward in?' he asked in a deep voice as he allowed his gaze to wander openly down her body.
'No,' replied Marian with a shiver, both from the cold winter air and the man's unwelcome, lecherous gaze, 'he's gone away on business for the day. Who might you be?'
'I am Sir Guy of Gisbourne,' replied the stranger. 'The Sheriff has asked me to manage the Locksley estate.'
A twinge panged in Marian's gut at the slightest mention of Robin but she pushed it down forcefully, refusing to let herself think of him.
'You must be Marian,' stated Sir Guy boldly.
Marian opened her mouth to reply but stopped and turned when she heard footsteps descending the stairs behind her.
'Lady Marian,' said the woman who came into view, 'the babe is crying for you; she's hungry. Can you come?'
'Yes, Sarah. Thank you, I'll be up in a minute,' replied Marian quickly.
'You have a child?' asked Sir Guy incredulously while Sarah made her way back upstairs.
Marian turned back to face him. 'Yes, I do,' she said simply, her head held high.
'I did not know you were married,' stated Gisbourne.
'I am not, the father is indisposed,' said Marian coldly. 'Please excuse me; I must tend to my child.' With that she closed the door firmly and leaned back against it.
Marian took a deep breath to clear her thoughts. She had known that people would ask questions, but she hadn't expected a complete stranger to be so blunt to her face. Robin was in the Holy Land, possibly dead for all she knew, and she had to tend to her child.
She walked up the stairs, her mind on the day she had found out she was carrying Robin's child - the result of that one blissful night they had spent together before he had chased after the king and glory.
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iMarian, I am going to get a physician,' said her father. 'You are not well at all.'
'I am fine,' she replied weakly. 'I'll feel better soon.'
'No, I am going now,' said Sir Edward firmly. 'I will not be long.'
Marian sat heavily on the edge of her bed, certain that a physician wasn't going to make her feel better at all - they were only going to confirm her fears. Her father would be so disappointed when he found out, but she wouldn't change what she'd done even if she could.
Ten minutes later her father returned with Matilda from Locksley. Concern furrowed his brow as he left the room after showing her in.
'Now then,' said Matilda warmly, 'what seems to be ailing you?'
Marian swallowed nervously and took a deep breath. 'I am unwell in the mornings, and I keep feeling faint during the day.'
Matilda looked at her silently for a moment. 'Is there a chance you could be with child?' she asked.
'Yes,' replied Marian, 'there is.'
Matilda nodded sympathetically. Unless she was very much mistaken then the babe was young Robin's. 'Right, and how long…'
'Two months,' whispered Marian./i
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Admitting to herself and Matilda had been the easy part, she remembered, but telling her father had been…heart-wrenching. The look of sadness on his face had been so painful to see, but still he had stuck by her and protected her at all costs.
There had been whispers of course - and speculation - when she had started to show and again when she had given birth. In the months since, most people in the villages had quietly accepted Jennifer and the stares had died down. Not the new sheriff though, he always had a snide comment for her everytime they came face-to-face.
Marian sighed. She knew it was mostly her fault that there was a new sheriff; her father had been preoccupied with herself and her child and the shire had not fallen his way again. She knew it was a slight against her, as an unwed mother.
Jennifer's wails reached her ears as she approached the door to her bed chamber. Her daughter…Robin's daughter. She smiled as she entered the room and crossed to where Sarah was holding Jennifer close and rocking her.
'Thank you, Sarah,' said Marian, holding her arms out. 'I'll take her now.'
Sarah handed her to Marian who sat down in a chair by the window and tugged at her clothes to expose her breast. Jennifer latched on hungrily and curled her tiny fist around Marian's finger.
Marian sighed as she stared down at the baby. It might not be easy but she wouldn't change anything for the world. She loved her child and nothing - not even her love for Robin - came close. Even if Robin never returned then at least she had a part of him.
'Who was the man at the door?' asked Sarah curiously.
Marian looked up and frowned. 'Sir Guy of Gisbourne apparently. He said he is to manage to Locksley estate in Robin's absence.
'Oh,' replied Sarah, 'I think I saw him heading to the castle earlier, just as I was leaving Pitt Street to come here.'
'Yes, I'm sure he is yet another lackey of the new Sheriff,' said Marian bitterly. 'I'm sure he is trying to ruin Nottingham.'
'I do not think it will take long with him in charge,' agreed Sarah.
'How is Jess now?' asked Marian. 'Is she getting over that illness now?'
'Yes,' replied Sarah, 'she is getting much better now - that medicine you brought her really seemed to make the difference. Thank you.'
Marian smiled. 'You're welcome. I'm just glad she's getting better.'