"You're being quiet today, Lady Marian. I hope I've done nothing to offend you."
Marian's thoughts were interrupted by the voice of Martin of Aylesbury, as they rode on horseback through wintry fields.
It was a mild winter morning, with a gray sky, but no bitter wind to chill them. The breath of their horses puffed white clouds onto the air, but the day wasn't so cold that they could see their own breath.
"I am sorry," Marian apologized. "You've done nothing wrong. I am a little preoccupied, is all."
She couldn't tell him about the new Sheriff. She couldn't speak the words aloud, that her father was being removed from office. It stung too much.
The young man watched her as they rode side by side. She could ride much better than he, and he had taken a risk asking her to ride out with him today. If she had wanted to race, the way he remembered her doing with Locksley, he'd have been at a loss. But, thankfully, she had not suggested any such thing. They simply rode quietly, at a slow pace, and he hoped she was enjoying herself as much as he was.
She was so beautiful! He couldn't believe she was actually riding beside him, even if she wasn't in a mood to talk. He had so enjoyed dancing with her last evening, once he had gotten up the nerve to ask her to dance, and he had not slept a wink last night for thinking about her.
He was letting her take the lead, as far as where she wanted to ride, and she had led them to the edge of the forest.
Marian reined Vesper and smiled at Martin. "Would you like to ride through Sherwood?"
He cleared his throat nervously. "Lady Marian, surely you jest. The forest is no place for a lady. Everyone knows it's full of outlaw bands."
She masked her acute disappointment. Maybe it was just as well. These woods held far too many memories for her, and she might find herself crying, or, worse yet, screaming, if she entered them again with Martin.
If only she were alone, she would not hesitate to ride through Sherwood. She'd never been frightened of outlaws here! These woods were home to her, as much as Knighton Hall was home! She'd played in the shelter of the forest all her life, and she could certainly defend herself against any outlaw who might dare to cross her! She'd been taught to fight, right here amongst these trees, where no busybodies might frown at her for taking lessons from the boy who was such an expert at archery and so brilliant at swordplay.
"Lady Marian, are you alright?"
Marian looked away, furious at herself for letting a tear escape her eye. And Martin had seen it! She felt like such a fool!
"I'm quite well, thank you. There was something in my eye. And you are quite right about the forest. Come, shall we ride on?"
They continued their slow and steady pace, and Marian tried to empty her mind of thoughts. She wished Martin would say something! He'd been so amusing last evening, full of mild gossip about various lords and ladies attending the banquet. She'd even let him kiss her, but that was only because he had danced her under the mistletoe. It was a respectful kiss, but a kiss all the same. The first kiss she'd had since...but she wouldn't think about that.
So many kisses! She could close her eyes and taste him still, and feel the pressure of his lips, and how his chin with its intriguing dimple poked her chin, and how his bottom lip clung to hers a split second after a kiss was through. Often in the winter, his lips were chapped, as hers were today.
She had heard there was no winter at all where he was. No winter and no forest. It must be interesting to celebrate Christmas so close to where it actually took place! That made her wonder about the star. At Christmastime, could you still see a bright star there in the heavens? It was morning here...was it day or nighttime there? And if it were night, was he looking up at the stars right now, and thinking of her?
She looked up at the sky, and got angry at herself again for doing so. She was being ridiculous! She would stop this right now! He's the one who had left her. He didn't deserve her, so why did she even waste one thought on him?
"Martin, how is your sister? I haven't seen her in such a long time."
"She's doing well. Married life suits her. It was a good match. Lord Louthborough is a good husband."
Marian couldn't resist letting out a giggle. Martin was pleased. She had been so serious, and now, at last, she was smiling brightly. "May I ask what you find so amusing?" he wondered.
"Oh, it's just Lord Louthborough. I can't imagine him a good husband."
Now it was Martin's turn to be serious. Was she laughing at his sister's husband? He couldn't believe she would do that! There was nothing at all funny about Lord Louthborough! He was a sober and respectable gentleman, and his sister was lucky to have achieved such status as his wife.
Marian didn't mention that Lord Louthborough had once pursued her, but had rejected her before she knew what he was about, because he had found her too wayward. It would be better not to mention that! It had happened right before she had discovered that she was already betrothed to-
How could he throw everything away? How could he just drop everything and run off into battle? She hoped some Saracen was killing him this very instant!
No! She didn't! She breathed a quick prayer for his safety, and for forgiveness for her sin of wishing him dead. And then she wished him dead again, and again prayed that he would be spared.
Enough! What was she doing? She would focus her attention on Martin, who was trying so hard to be charming, and was being so considerate of her feelings. But first, she had better apologize for laughing at Loath Bore Oh.
"Martin, I'm so sorry. I must have been thinking of someone else. I'm delighted to hear your sister is happy."
He forgave her immediately. "She truly is. She tells me there's nothing so wonderful as being married."
Unless its the glory of the battlefield. At least to a fool. "When you next see her, please give her my regards."
"With pleasure, milady."
They were approaching a village, and Martin looked at Marian questioningly. She had led them to Locksley! Why had she done that? He'd have thought that Locksley would be the last place she would lead them.
God! How she and Locksley had been in love! Their feelings for each other had been so obvious, and it came as quite a shock when he had left for the Crusades, and their betrothal was broken. Then, she had been ill, and had only recently recovered her health. And now, Martin felt privileged and excited to woo her. But what had she done, leading him to Locksley? Who could she be wanting to see here? With the Lord of the Manor gone, and he with no family, there were only peasants and serfs and servants living here...no one worthy of their attention.
Marian looked surprised to be in Locksley as well. In truth, she had not been aware she had been heading this way. And now that they were here, she was even more astonished. Someone was moving into the Manor? Who? And why? It was Robin's house! But it was very clear, for many of Robin's servants were unloading a cart full of belongings, and carrying them into the house.
"Come on," she said, "we need to find out what's going on."
