Chapter 7
Following the physician's exit, Robert and Mary Katherine spoke with Edward about Robin being able to stay at the castle for several days. He, of course, obliged their request. He was very fond of Robin. He had come to think of the young noble as the son he never had and was rather pleased that he and Marian were so close. After finalizing the details, they walked into the room where Robin was resting. He did look a fright with all the bandages and bruises, but he appeared to be sleeping peacefully with the physician's draft that he was given. Mary Katherine sat beside the bed and reached out to hold her only child's hand.
"Robert", she said very quietly, "I want to send for Matilda."
"Whatever for, my dear? The physician has already stated that he should recover just fine."
"I am aware of what the physician has stated, my husband. However, I will feel much better after Matilda has looked upon him. I do trust her judgments on things such as this."
"Very well, my dear. We will send for her and while we wait, we can get Much to sit in here with him. The poor boy and Marian have been pacing all evening down the hall. I am sure he will be happy to be of some help."
Mary Katherine leaned over to kiss Robin on his forehead, careful of the stitches, and whispered good night. They walked to the end of the hallway and gave Marian and Much the news of Robin's condition and requested that Much stay in the room with Robin while they arranged for Matilda to arrive.
"Oh, most certainly I will stay with him, My Lady" bowed Much. "I will be glad to keep a watchful eye over him."
"Lady Locksley, Lord Locksley, please accept my sincere apology. I truly meant no harm. We were only playing a game", Marian stated very humbly.
Mary Katherine placed her hand upon Marian's shoulder and quietly said, "My dear, of course you did not mean any harm. We know that. Accidents happen sometimes", and then she gave the child a warm hug. "We will return in the morning. Sleep well, my child."
After the exchange, the Locksleys departed and Much went to Robin's room to keep a quiet vigil. Marian wanted to follow, but Edward stated that it was time for them to return to Knighton for the evening.
"Not yet, Father, please?" she begged.
"What is keeping you child?"
"I want to see Robin."
"Marian, let him rest. He will not know you are there at this time. You will be able to see him in the morning."
"Please, Father" she begged again with big tear filled doe eyes.
Being that Edward could never deny her anything, he agreed. "Only for a few moments", he smiled.
The visit did what she had hoped. Seeing him assured her that he was well. She bid Much good night and left with her father. The room was left with a sleeping Robin, a lone candle burning, and a faithful friend watching. This evening would eventually lead to a lifetime of Much looking out for Robin, his master and his best friend.
