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Anne swallowed loudly. It was definitely not the first meeting she had hoped for. She had wanted to arrive in Nottingham unnoticed, freshen up, change into the more appropriate dress in order to prepare herself for the calm matter-of-fact discussion about their situation. Meanwhile here she was, stuck in the middle of the road, in the forest surrounded by soldiers who did everything in their power in order to not to listen to their conversation while her husband fixed his eyes on her face ready to strangle answers from her. No, it definitely was not a beginning she had counted for.
"Please forgive me My Lord, I didn't recognise you, welcome husband" Anne curtsied deciding that politeness should calm him down a little.
Guy growled angrily at her display "I want answers My Lady and I want them now! What right have you to call yourself my wife?! "
" Of course My Lord, if you will be willing to wait just one moment "she transferred the child into one arm and reached to the travelling sack grateful, that the thug who had rummaged through it hadn't had enough brain to take the papers, without them she would have been lost.
"Here it is My Lord" Anne handed Guy the official document "as you can see I have every right to the title, we are legally married. The ceremony was held in London"
Guy skimmed through the text and swore loudly. Marriage contract signed 2 months ago left no doubts, they were married, the archbishop of London himself certified it!
"Isabella" Guy let out a growl seeing the signature of the person who had been a witness of the proxy marriage. He should have guessed that his wretched sister would find a way to execute her revenge even after so many years. Vindictive bitch!
"Yes husband, your sister helped us to marry. She also provided me with the ring belonging to your dead mother " Anne confirmed trying not flinch. She clearly saw exactly what kind of emotions evoked in Guy upon hearing the name of not-seed and forgotten sister.
"And I suppose that this is our child?!" Guy snapped pointing at the baby " let me guess it was also begotten by proxy?!" he began recognising sizes of Isabella's revenge, she forced at him a whore and the bastard as a legitimate wife and the child! Gut vowed to break that treacherous bitch's neck!
"My God! That My Lord would surely be not possible! Let me introduce you to your niece Isabella " Anne moved the child closer to him "Isn't she beautiful? I call her Bella " she explained smiling.
"Isabella's daughter? And where is my dear sister? Why didn't she arrive with you in order to celebrate our marriage?" he sneered with malice.
Anne's smile faded at the sound of his voice, he didn't even bother to look at the child.
" My Lord, I'm very sorry, Isabella died of post-natal fever, leaving behind her daughter in our care. That is the reason we are here" Anne seeing that the child failed to grasp his attention hugged the girl whispering calming words.
"And you expect me to believe that?!"
"I have other documents proving my words, which I'm ready to present you My Lord"
"Sir!" one of soldiers dared to interfere trying not to notice Guy's murderous look "Sir, if I may, it will be better, if you continue the conversation in Nottingham, Sherwood isn't the best place for the lady and the child"
Anne smiled thankfully at the young soldier thanking it in her heart of hearts for the rescue. She had almost let her anger win! She could not lose this battle, too much depended on it. She had to persuade Guy of Gisborne to belive her.
Gisborne grinding his teeth nodded his head in agreement.
"Thomas take care of the carriage!" he instructed the soldier and not even looking back set off to his horse.
"Thank you Thomas " Anne smiled with gratitude to the young soldier who helped her settle in the carriage
"It's Tom My Lady" the young man smiled bashfully slamming the door of the carriage
"So what do you think about your uncle little one?" Anne asked the girl when the carriage set off "let us hope that he barks louder than he bites"
Vaisey could not stop the wild chuckle which escaped his throat. It was hilarious, so hilarious! Crumbs of the cake fell off from his wide open mouth straight onto the table.
Furious Guy silently enumerated the list of reasons for which he could not pierce Vaisey with the sword on the spot. No matter how much it angered him, he needed that irritating, dirty old man!
Lady Anne was calmly waiting until Sheriff ceases his cackling. She knew that type of men, to show any kind of weakness would be a grave mistake.
"I didn't know that you had that in yourself Gisborne" Vaisey croaked with pleasure watching as his Master in Arms turn crimson from fury " first Lady Marian, now Lady Anne, well well, you wanted two wives? Looks like Lady Marian did you favour by leaving, otherwise now I would have to judge you for the bigamy! " Vasey cackled further turning his eyes onto the sitting woman who without a word watched the spectacle "although I believe you have been cheated, your Lady certainly doesn't equal Lady Marian in many aspects, I would even say that she has rather major defects here and there " he completed judging Anne's figure and face with insolent stare.
Anne looked at the midget and suppressed desire of a cutting retort instead of that she smiled sweetly "Independently of all my defects you deigned to recognise Sheriff my claiming is true. I am a wife of sir Guy and we both take care of our niece Isabella, who is our lawful daughter "
The Sheriff laughed aloud showing the spoiled tooth. Gisborne's face was priceless! " Indeed you are! Indeed! I only wish to know how you managed to get confirmation from Prince John himself? " he asked slyly with narrowed eyes.
In darkness of the mezzanine Vaisey could seen the hidden form of Lady Marian avidly listening to the drama. Little spy who thought that she could deceive him! Oh, that was delicious! Who would have thought that Gisborne's love affairs would turn out to be as funny and entertaining!
"I'm afraid that You direct your question to the wrong person Sheriff, you would have to ask Lady Isabella, it was her request that granted us that honour. As far as I know, she gained Prince's favour in exchange for numerous service she provided and for that Prince John agreed to confirm our marriage with his authority"
Anne's words provoked the shiver of disgust in Gisborne. He could easily imagine what type of the favour his deceased sister had provided for the Prince.
"Indeed, indeed" the Sheriff smiled sneeringly guessing Guy's thoughts "Lady Anne of Gisborne, let me welcome you in Nottingham. Gisborne, take away your wife! "
Sir Guy being at the end of his tether didn't try to protest. He took hold of Anne's arm with the strong hand and drew her towards the chamber, where he dismissed the serving girl who had watched over the child.
Anne didn't allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief. She was facing much more difficult battle.
SO?