This chapter is MA. Those of you under eighteen cover your eyes.
Even down at the paddocks Roger could hear the singing up at the castle. Roger knew that Isabeau had finally found the words she wished to say to their parents. Usually the mares were in Knighton when they foaled, but this year with so many mares ready to foal at the same time it was easier to keep them in separate stalls in the castle stables. Two mares had decided to foal that morning and Roger was on his way to help the stable master.
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Marian had come down to the stables looking for Guy. The stable master sent her out to the paddocks. Not seeing Guy immediately Marian stood with arms on top of the wooden fence watching the two horses running across the field. She heard someone approach and glanced over her shoulder to see Guy walking towards her.
"Isn't that my mare, the one you gave to me?" Marian turned back to the horses again, "And isn't that your stallion?"
"Yes I've decided to breed them." Guy answered his voice low, "Tis the first time for your mare." Guy was standing directly behind Marian watching her watching the horses. Marian watched Guy's stallion approach her mare. It nudged the mare and threw its head up. The mare skittered away and then looked back at the stallion. The stallion approached the mare again and as soon he was close the mare stepped away again.
Marian watched fascinated by the horses' interaction. "She's leading him on a merry chase", Marian laughed.
"Tis ever the way with women to lead a man on", Guy said his voice growing husky. Without touching her Guy put his arms around Marian leaving both hands on the fence. Guy was close enough that Marian could feel his breath on her neck. Being this close to Guy still made her nervous.
Guy's stallion went over to sniff the urine the mare had just left on the ground. "See he smells her scent to find out if she's ready for him." Marian watched as the stallion sniffed the ground and tossed his head back and forth snorting. She saw her mare lift her tail as the stallion approached her again. He was more aggressive this time, but the mare sidestepped him easily enough. Marian's eyes widen when she looked at the stallion and realized just how ready he was. Her breath caught in her throat. "He's too big. He'll…"
Guy moved forward so that his body was just barely touching Marian's. "She is made to fit him. She will take him in with ease. See she is ready for him. Her tail up calls him to her."
Guy's stallion got close enough to the mare to nip it on its hindquarters. The mare cried out.
"He's hurting her", Marian cried moving closer to the fence.
Guy pulled Marian back against him and spoke softy into her ear, "No he's just getting her attention. He wants her to know he desires her." The mare had run to another part of the paddock. This time Guy's stallion walked slowly over and tried to mount the mare. She moved away yet again. The stallion continued to pursue Marian's mare. He tried countless times to mount her but she continually shied away. Finally Guy's stallion mounted the mare. Marian let out a moan as her mare screamed.
"See she cannot resist him", Guy said.
Behind her Marian could feel Guy growing hard against her. Her own body reacted with an ache between her legs. One of Guy's hands moved to rest above her womb fingers spread out wide. His other arm was just under her breasts his thumb barely caressing the underside of a breast. Marian could feel her knees go weak, but Guy kept her standing and pinned to him. Marian felt as if she could not catch her breath. All she wanted at that moment was a release from her own body. Marian had never had her body react this way to anyone before. Not even Robin. She tried to close her eyes and not watch the horses but she could not resist.
Guy heard Marian moan. He could feel her start to rub her body against his. Guy held her even tighter to stop her movement. "Stop or you'll be my undoing." Marian didn't realize he had even spoken at first. Coming to her senses she looked up to see Guy's stallion removing himself from her mare. Marian's face was flushed and she tried to move away from Guy embarrassed by her actions. Guy placed a kiss on Marian's neck and let her go. She wouldn't look at him as she ran back to the castle. Guy leaned his forearms against the fence and continued to watch the horses trying to get himself under control. 'Finally Marian' he thought 'you will be mine.
That evening Marian came in and found Guy in their tub. She was used to finding him so, but tonight he somehow looked different to her. Grabbing a rag she kneeled down to scrub Guy's back.
"Ow are you trying to take my skin off?" Guy bent forward to try to get out of Marian's reach.
Marian immediately stopped her motions. She had been thinking about the horses and not paying attention to what she was doing. "Sorry." Taking the rag this time she gently washed Guy's back and shoulders. Guy had to keep reminding Marian of what she was doing because she would frequently stop moving her hands. Guy kept his face away from Marian so she could not see his smile of satisfaction.
"You're distracted tonight", Guy said.
"Hm" was all that came out of Marian.
"Go on to bed. I'll finish my bath on my own." Guy took the rag from Marian and started washing his arms and chest.
In a fog Marian undressed and got into bed. Guy chuckled waiting for Marian to realize she hadn't put on a nightdress. Guy stood up and caught Marian looking at his body. She closed her eyes quickly hoping Guy hadn't noticed. Drying himself off Guy tossed the linen cloth over the chair by the fire. He blew out the candles everywhere except the one by Marian's side of the bed. Instead of turning over and going to sleep once he was under the covers like he usually did, Guy drew Marian to him and curled himself around her back.
"Guy…" Marian started. She wanted to turn around and run her hands over Guy's body but Guy cut her off.
"Go to sleep Marian." Guy wanted her out of her head with desire before he would give in and let her touch him. They lay there for a few minutes before Marian broke the silence.
"The horses, how long will they breed?" Marian's voice was low.
"Up to five days." Guy felt a slight shudder go through Marian's body. Guy smiled knowing Marian was going to get very little sleep that night.
Each day for the next three days Marian came down to watch her mare and Guy's stallion mate. She tried to make it look as if she was only there to relay some message or bit of information to Guy. In her mind Guy always stood too close to her. His breath always on her neck, his voice always low and husky in her ear. Marian always left the paddock with an unfulfilled ache between her legs. Why she tortured herself this way she didn't know.
Every night was the same; Guy no longer wore his braies to bed. His naked body was always curled around her. She either forgot to put her nightdress on or becoming so warm would rip it off. Skin to skin she decided was how she wanted to sleep from there on. She enjoyed this intimacy with Guy.
Guy hadn't asked her to perform her wifely duties since their wedding night. If King John had found out he probably would have had their marriage annulled. Marian had begun to fear that she had pushed Guy away too many times and that he no longer wanted her. He had his heir he didn't need her anymore.
On the third night when Marian turned to face Guy he didn't try to stop her. He rolled over on to his back and cradled Marian in his arm. He looked at her with hooded eyes. When she reached her hand to touch him he quickly grabbed it to stop her.
"Please Guy", she begged, "I need to touch you." Guy let go of Marian's hands. Marian slowly started to explore Guy's body. Starting with his face she moved her finger across his forehead and down his nose, from there she caressed him along his jaw line and finished with his lips. They were soft to the touch Marian realized. She hadn't really paid attention to Guy's lips when she had grabbed him years ago and kissed him only to save Robin. Though Guy had occasionally kissed her they were always brief and very rarely on her lips. Marian had a new awareness of Guy's lips, one she intended to explore further just not right now. When her fingers stopped moving on his lips Guy gently took them in his hand and kissed them. Marian's breath caught when she saw desire burning in Guy's eyes.
Continuing her exploration of Guy's body Marian pressed her lips to Guy's collarbone and slid her fingertips across his chest lightly caressing each nipple causing it to harden. Moving down from there she hit the flat plains of his stomach. Smiling she lightly scratched the taut skin causing him to growl.
As she was about to move her hand to the crease between his leg and his torso Guy could take it no longer. He rolled over to his side and flipped Marian on to her stomach. Kneeling behind her Guy slipped his arm around Marian's waist and pulled her up to her knees. Guy ran his hands up Marian's body coming to rest on her breasts. Fingers teased each nipple into a hard peak. Reaching behind her Marian ran her hands along Guy's thighs feeling the strength built there from years of riding horses. Marian moved an arm above and behind her to bring Guy's face to hers so she could kiss him. Marian moaned into Guy's mouth when his tongue started to explore and devour her mouth. Guy reached back down to Marian's waist with one arm. With his other hand he bent Marian over so she was on her hands and knees. Guy could feel Marian tense. "Think of the horses Marian." Guy kept his arm around Marian's waist and used the other one to caress a breast while his lips laid gentle kisses up her back. Removing the hand from Marian's waist Guy moved it down the find her swollen bud. Marian moaned and tried to back into Guy hoping to find relief. Every nerve in her body seemed to be on the very edge of her skin. The ache between her legs was so intense Marian thought she would lose her mind. Guy removed his hand from her breast and used his finger to enter her hot, moist folds. Marian started to whimper. Guy pulled his finger out, grabbed both her hips and entered her. Marian gasped as she felt Guy fill her. As soon as she felt him try to slide out she pushed back to get him inside again. Again and again Marian pushed back taking Guy inside her. Guy reached around to touch her bud but there was no need Marian felt as if her body had imploded as wave after wave hit. Holding her about her waist Guy moved into her two more times and reached his climax filling Marian with his seed. Still inside her Guy collapsed on top of Marian taking them both flat on to the bed. Marian put her legs together making sure she and Guy could not be separated. They lay that way until Marian started to the feel the weight of Guy pressing down on her. Guy slid out of Marian and rolled on to his side, pulling the sheets up over them. He realized looking down at Marian that she was crying.
"What…" he said slowly caressing her back.
Marian turned to face Guy, "I'm sorry I've not been a wife to you. I have wronged you in so many ways but I am truly sorry that I took away your chance for more children."
Guy pulled Marian over so she was laying her head on his chest. "You were worth the wait. If I had only wanted you for children I could have forced you anytime. I wanted you to come to me of your own free will, because you wanted me."
Two months later it was confirmed that both Marian and her mare were expecting.
"Oh Guy she's beautiful." Marian was holding two month old Roger watching her mare's foal being born. After getting cleaned up by its mother the little foal got up on shaky legs and tried to walk around in the stall. She blinked her eyes a couple of times, took a step and collapsed back on to the floor. Struggling the foal made it up and stayed up. Marian's mare gently nudged her little girl away from the humans in their stall. Guy and the stable master backed out of the stall seeing the foal was going to be fine. Two-year-old Edward stood on the railing enclosing the stall. "Hoce", he said pointing to the foal. Guy picked Edward up, smiled and said, "Yes a hoce."
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Roger was inside one of the stalls helping a mare deliver a breech baby. He hated breech births because they could lose the foal and sometimes the mother if the labor went too long. His mother had said it was because he was conceived after watching her mare breed for the first time that Roger got his affinity for horses. His mother had laughed at his blushes.
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"Tis a girl", Roger said with distaste looking at the bundle in Marian's arm.
"This is your sister Catherine", Marian said.
"She's too little and she can't ride a horse and she smells funny." Roger had no time for the newest member of the family.
"She'll get bigger and you can teach her to ride a horse", said Marian.
"Well I suppose", Roger said reluctantly. Guy chuckled, leaned down kissed his wife and took the boys out of the room. Marian had come back only the day before from Locksley. He had brought all three boys Edward, Roger and young Guy to meet their new baby sister. They were all less than impressed. Finding the boys' nurse Guy handed them over and went about his daily duties.
Hours later Guy heard servants talking outside his office. The door was open and he saw servants scurrying back and forth. His office usually didn't have this much traffic going by it. Getting up Guy stopped one of the servants and asked what was going on. A look of fear came over their faces.
"Sir Guy, Master Roger seems to be missing." The servants stood trembling before Guy. Guy's eyes narrowed. Another servant said, "We've searched the castle and we can't find him."
"Where is his nurse?" Guy asked his voice strained.
"She's with Master Guy and Master Edward", the servant answered.
Guy closed the door to his office and went to look for the boys' nurse. She was in the great hall with Edward and young Guy. When she saw the thunderous look on Guy's face she clutched young Guy to her in the hopes that Sir Guy wouldn't harm her while holding his son.
"Sir Guy I only turned my back of a minute to put the little mite here on the piss pot. Master Roger was gone by the time I turned around." The nurse had started weeping in fear scared of what her punishment was going to be.
"Father", Edward tugged as his father's jacket.
"Not now", Guy said taking his son's hand from his jacket. Guy started issuing orders when he felt Edward tug at his jacket again.
"I said not now." Guy looked down with irritation on his face. Guy started moving.
"But father I think I know where Roger is", Edward yelled at the top of his lungs. He immediately put his hand over his mouth. Yelling at his father was going to get him into big trouble. Nobody yelled at his father, well nobody but his mother.
Guy stopped dead and turned around to look at his son. In a tight voice he asked, "And just where do you think he is?"
"He was talking about his horse. I think he went to the stables." Edward stood up straight and looked at his father. Guy gave Edward a measured look and walked up the stairs and out the castle. He's deal with Edward later.
Checking the stables and not finding Roger there Guy headed to the paddocks. In the center of the paddock one of the stable hands had Roger on a horse. The stable hand was leading the horse around by its halter as Roger held on to the reins. Guy stopped for a minute to watch his son. Roger was a natural. Even though the horse was way oversized for him Guy saw no fear on his son's face. Of course it helped that the horse was old.
When Guy got to the fence he motioned the stable hand over and cuffed him up side the head. Roger's eyes widened. "You've been told not to let the boy on a horse unless I or his mother is with him. Get the boy off the horse."
The stable hand lifted Roger off the horse and handed him to Guy. Rubbing his ear and cheek the stable hand led the horse back to the stables.
Guy set Roger down and holding him by the arm gave him a couple of hard swats on his behind. "You've been told not to ride the horses without me or your mother being here. You're not even supposed to be down here without a servant with you. I think I need to give that horse to someone else since you can't obey me."
Roger was rubbing his backside not daring to look up at his father. When he heard his father say he was giving his horse away Roger cried out, "No" and his head snapped up. He looked at his father in horror and ran up to the castle crying as he went. Guy had no problem with his long strides keeping up with Roger. He followed him all the way to his room. Roger had thrown himself on his bed kicking and smashing his fists into his pillow. Guy gave him a minute knowing what it was like to be angry and feeling powerless. "That's enough", Guy said. Roger turned over not realizing that his father had followed him. He sat up and wiped his nose and tears on his sleeve.
"When you have earned my trust back and can be obedient then we'll talk about horses. Until that time you are not allowed in the stables at all. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes father", Roger sniffed.
"Stay in your room until I come get you." Guy looked at his son and saw him nod yes. He walked out the door and closed it. 'Now to deal with Edward and the nurse', Guy thought.
Guy found Edward in the nursery with his nurse and young Guy. "You", he said pointing to the nurse, "leave. I'll deal with you later." Looking at Edward, Guy sat down on a chair and motioned his son over. Edward walked over to Guy with much trepidation. Taking the boy by both arms Guy said, "Even though it helped find your brother, you don't ever raise your voice to me again. Understood?" Edward nodded his head.
"You've got a voice use it", Guy said gruffly.
"Yes father I understand", answered Edward.
"I think maybe you should spend the rest of the day in your room." Guy said
"Yes father." Edward was very willing to sit in his room if that was going to be his only punishment. He had felt the belt before.
Guy let go of Edward and got up. He looked at Edward for a few moments and then left. Edward let out a sigh of relief.
Going into his and Marian's bedroom Guy was surprised to find Marian dressed and sitting on their bed. Catherine was on the bed with her.
"We need to find a new nurse for the children"; Guy stated walking over to the bed. He leaned his forearm on the bedpost and looked down at Catherine.
Alarmed Marian asked, "Why we've had Judith since Edward was born?"
"She let Roger disappear. I found him down at the paddock on a horse."
"He is quite the escape artist", Marian grinned. Guy was not amused.
"She's incompetent."
"Guy"
"No Marian I can't trust her with the children. You'll find a new nurse."
"And how am I going to do that right now?" Marian gave Guy an aggravated look.
"You can have a week." Guy looked away from Marian, "but she goes. Put her somewhere else in the castle or Locksley or Knighton I don't care where, but she'll no longer be nurse to our children." Guy turned and walked out the door before Marian could come up with a retort. Marian stared at the door. The fact that Guy hadn't thrown Judith into the dungeons was a good sign. The old Guy would have thrown her in the dungeons at the very least, might have even hung her. Marian did not look forward to finding a new nurse.
The next morning Guy went into the stables and informed the stable master that he wanted Roger's horse removed to Knighton. Feeling that the horse would provide too much of a temptation for his son Guy thought it best to move the horse elsewhere. The stable master sent one of the stable hands to Knighton with Roger's horse. The stable hand did not notice that he was being followed.
No one noticed at first that Roger was missing as he had been with his mother and had told her that he was going back to his nurse. The nurse thought Roger was with his mother so didn't know he was missing.
Roger got out of Nottingham with a large group of people that included a number of children. He kept an eye on his horse and broke away from the group as they neared the forest. Staying behind trees he managed to elude the stable hand. Roger stayed at the edge of the tree line in Knighton waiting for it to get dark. The moon was bright and gave off enough light for Roger to see his way to the Knighton stables. He opened the door as quietly as he could and snuck in. The only horse in the Knighton manor stables was Roger's. Roger quickly hid behind some hay when he heard the Nottingham stable hand return from supper. He knew he was going to be stuck there for the rest of the night.
The castle was in an uproar for the second time in two days all due to Roger. Guy was absolutely furious with his son. Again servants were sent through out the castle and again there was no Roger. Guy checked the stables and paddocks, with no sign of him there he search widen out to all of Nottingham. Worry replaced Guy's anger when Roger could not be found within Nottingham town.
Finding Marian Guy asked her when she had last seen Roger. "He was with me this morning, but asked to go back to the nursery to play with Edward."
"He never went back to the nursery. The nurse thought he was still with you so didn't think anything about it until he didn't show up for supper. Edward knows nothing either."
Guy left Marian and went back to the stables.
Marian got angry this time. Here she was trying to care for a new babe and her second son was asking for his father to beat him. Catherine was fussy now too absorbing her mother's anxiety.
After talking to the stable master Guy mounted his horse and set off for Knighton. He had been tempted to let Roger spend the night wherever he was to put some fear into the boy, but his own fear of what could happen to a four-year-old boy forced him on to his horse and on the road.
It took Guy longer to get to Knighton than it would have during the day. He immediately went to the manor stables and pulled open the doors. The stable hand grabbed a knife and almost stabbed Guy thinking a thief had come to steal the horse. Guy caught his hand before he could do any damage.
"Is Roger here", questioned Guy.
"Isn't he at the castle", asked the stable hand.
"No he's disappeared. I thought he might have come here."
"I ain't seen him Sir Guy."
Roger had woken up when his father had entered the stable. He kept quiet so as not to be discovered.
Guy let out a growl of frustration. He checked Knighton manor and finding it empty headed back to Nottingham. Arriving at the castle he assembled his guards. They were given torches and told to comb Sherwood for Roger. Guy also sent other guards to Locksley, Clun and Nettlestone. A message was sent to Allan at Bonchurch to have his guards help in the search.
The search proved fruitless. Guy returned to the castle as the sun was rising tired and hungry. He was in the great hall barely eating when Marian came down from the nursery.
"He still hasn't been found?" Marian watched Guy tear bread into little pieces but not eat any of it.
"No. I thought sure he'd be at Knighton with that damn horse, but the stable hand said he hadn't seen him." Marian came and stopped his hands from making a bigger mess with the bread.
"I'll never forgive myself if something happens to him. What if he's lying hurt somewhere?" Guy's voice broke and he put his forehead down on his fists.
"We'll find him. I've fed Catherine so it will be a bit before she needs to be fed. I can go with on the search" Marian took one of Guy's hands and held it. Guy gave her hand a squeeze. "No you stay here in case he returns." Without eating Guy got up and returned to the search.
Later that afternoon the stable hand returned from Knighton showing up at the castle with Roger. He had found Roger in the morning when he had grabbed new hay for the stall the horse was in. As soon as a guard at the city gate recognized Roger he sent a messenger to Guy notifying him that his son had been found.
Marian was standing on the steps of the castle when Guy arrived. He jumped off his horse and ran up the stairs.
"Where is he", Guy asked moving into the castle.
"He's in our room." Marian followed Guy up to their bedroom. Guy opened the door and found Roger sitting on the edge of the bed. His relief at seeing his son was safe was momentary. Guy's anger returned in full force. He took his belt off and grabbed his son. Sitting down on a chair Guy pulled Roger's pants down and bent Roger over his lap. Roget let out a yell with the first strike and continued through the next two. As Guy raised his hand for a fourth strike Marian grabbed his arm and stopped him.
"That's enough Guy." Marian took the belt out of Guy's hand. She laid it down and pulled Roger to herself pulling up his pants. Guy got up and walked out of the room. Marian held a crying Roger and added a lecture on obeying his father.
Later Marian found Guy in his office tears in his eyes. She moved to stand behind Guy with her hands on his shoulders.
"I could have killed him. I was so angry if you hadn't stopped me I would have kept whipping the boy." Guy's voice was raw with emotion.
"But you didn't and he deserved the whipping. This was his first whipping and I doubt his last. He won't be so willing to disobey next time." Marian turned Guy towards her and held him to her chest running her hands through his hair comforting him as if he were a small boy.
The whipping Roger got was not the end of his punishment. He got stuck mucking out stalls in the stables for the next month. Fortunately or unfortunately however you choose to look at it, it did not end his love affair with horses.
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Roger thought about his parents as he tried to help the mare deliver its foal. They hadn't been sure about his breeding horses but they had supported him. Now trying to move out of the castle had been a different story.
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"Marian he's an adult. It's time he was on his own." Guy pulled Marian over so her head was on his chest. They had been arguing all day about Roger moving to Knighton. Marian knew in her head that is was time for Roger to go out on his own, but she was having a hard time with three of her children leaving within months of each other. Edward was at Locksley and Catherine had moved to the abbey. Now Roger was leaving for Knighton.
"How is he going to take care of himself? He's never been on his own before. With no wife how will he run a household and breed horses at the same time. Knighton manor will fall down around him." In spite of the fact that she and Guy were arguing about their son Marian was very aware of her husband. She breathed in his scent and smiled. Guy's hand was holding hers as it rested on his chest.
"You'll go over before he moves and set up his house for him. I'm sure some of the old servants from your father's time have children that would come and work in the manor. A step up from working in the fields." Guy started playing with Marian's curls.
"Knighton does need to be aired out. We should have put a tenant in there." Marian rubbed her cheek and nose against Guy's chest.
"Roger will be getting the stables ready this week. You can spend the same time getting the manor ready." Guy shifted over Marian and used the knee that had been entangled between her legs to spread her legs open. He took the hand he had been holding and held it beside her head. Leaning in he lowered his voice, "Can we finish the discussion later?"
Reaching up with her free hand to draw Guy down to her she responded by kissing him.
Guy woke up the next morning to an empty bed. He dressed and found Marian ordering servants around so she could have what she needed to properly set up Knighton for Roger. Outside wagons were being loaded with furniture and rugs. Kitchenwares and smaller items were going into a cart.
Knighton had never been fully livable since it had been rebuilt. There had never been any beds or other furniture. The family had spent very little time there, though Marian when she wanted to get away from her large family could be found sitting on the steps leading to the upstairs rooms.
Temporarily Marian was bringing servants from the castle to Knighton just until she could hire local people to fill the positions. Knighton wouldn't need a large staff. Roger had already picked stable workers from the castle stables. Moving the horse breeding to Knighton meant they wouldn't need as many stable hands at the castle.
Through out the week Marian could be seen ordering servants about. She had the main cook from the castle come and train a local woman to act as Roger's cook. A few of the local women, all married, were hired to clean the manor and help with the cooking. A couple of men were hired to do the heavy chores around the manor.
Roger walked up to the manor one afternoon and stood in the doorway watching his mother. His mother was directing the men hired where she wanted the furniture to go. This was the third time she had rearranged the furniture in the hall. As much as his mother wanted to be a harridan and put the fear of God into the new servants she couldn't help but be kind to them. Those hired from the village knew how fortunate they were.
It was a worn out Marian that returned each night to the castle. She would have a cold supper and then soak in a tub of hot water. After her last day at Knighton Guy found Marian in the tub when he came into their room. She was leaning back against the tub and didn't hear him come in. Marian jumped when she felt Guy take her hair and pull it out from behind her. "Sit up and I'll wash it for you." Marian moved forward and tilted her head back. Guy poured water over Marian's hair trying not to get any on her face. Taking the soap he rubbed it into his hands and then into Marian's hair. When he had enough soap he used his fingers to massage it throughout Marian's hair and into her scalp. Marian had been hugging her knees while Guy had been pouring water over her head; now she leaned back and let Guy's fingers work their magic.
"Mmmmmmmmmm. I could get used to this", Marian said eyes closed. Guy smiled behind her and leaned down to kiss her neck.
"Lean forward." Guy poured water over Marian's hair to get the soap out. Grabbing a rag he washed Marian's back for her.
"You're spoiling me." Marian was leaning against her knees again.
"Can't a man spoil his wife?" Guy leaned Marian back against the tub and started to wash her arms as she laid them on the sides of the tub. He leaned down and rained more kisses along Marian's neck. Marian let out a moan.
"Come on mermaid, out of the tub." Guy said putting his hand out for Marian to take hold of. She took his hand as he helped her out of the tub. Guy found a linen towel and wrapped Marian in it. Leading her to the bed Guy realized how tired Marian was. Sitting Marian down on the bed he found a clean nightdress and put it over Marian's head. Getting her arms in the sleeves Guy tucked Marian into bed. Using Marian's bath water Guy quickly bathed and got into bed. Before he could even wrap himself around Marian Guy could hear Marian breathing and knew she was already asleep.
Marian and Guy stood on the castle steps the next morning and saw Roger make the final trip to Knighton. Marian had tears in her eyes. Guy wrapped his arm around Marian's shoulder.
"Tis only a short ride to Knighton. And Roger will be back here at least once a week."
"I know, but tis not the same."
"Come you have seven other children to mother." Guy led Marian back into the castle.
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The foal had been born and Roger went up to the manor to clean himself up. The family would be gathering in the great hall for supper. As he was walking across the courtyard his wife and children arrived. Roger helped his wife out of the wagon and tried to give her a hug. She smiled at him but pulled back. "You smell of horse and are covered in blood. You'll get your hug once you clean up."
"Spoil sport", Roger laughed and walked with his wife up the castle stairs.
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Roger was pacing back and forth in the hall at Knighton. His parents were sitting at the table having just finished supper. Roger stopped his pacing started to say something stopped and started to pace again. Guy and Marian looked at each other and smiled. They had an idea what Roger wanted to talk to them about, but decided to let him bring the subject up. Taking a deep breath Roger said, "I'd like you to find me a wife."
"You don't want to find a wife on your own", Marian asked.
"I don't have time to look for a wife. I was hoping you and father would know someone." Roger looked at his mother with expectation on his face.
"I'd have to think about it. There are at least three girls that might work. How soon does the wedding have to take place?" Marian was curious as to why all of sudden Roger wanted to get married.
"There can be a suitable engagement period, but I don't want to wait overlong."
"Why the sudden desire to get married?" Guy finally spoke up.
Roger started to fidget. "There is a certain woman in the village that has decided she is attracted to me."
"Could you not marry her", asked Guy.
"Um no. She's already married and I have no desire to dally with a married woman. I also wish to marry someone of noble blood." Roger had stopped pacing and sat down at the table with Guy and Marian.
"Do I need to talk to her husband?"
"No father. I don't want her to get into trouble. She has done nothing but harmless flirting so far. I've managed not to be alone with her. I fear if I don't have a wife or a promise of marriage she will end up putting herself in a compromising situation. She is very beautiful and was married against her will."
Marian looked at Guy remembering a few women who had thrown themselves at him both before and after they were married. After deciding to pursue her Guy had never paid any attention to them.
"How old would you like this wife to be?" Marian was making a mental list of Roger's wifely requirements.
"Not younger than sixteen."
"Looks?"
Roger smiled. "She doesn't have to be beautiful, but I would prefer she be comely. I will after all have to bed her and wake up next to her every morning."
Marian hid her face and smiled. Guy laughed, "Yes it does make it much easier to get children if their mother is a beauty." Marian could feel Guy looking at her and blushed.
Marian lifted her head and continued with the questions. "Money?"
"She doesn't have to have a large dowry. I have plenty of money. Destriers are always needed. Anything she brings will be for her use or she can leave moneys to our daughters.
"How many children are you planning on having?" Guy was curious to see if his son was planning on being as fruitful as himself.
Teasing Roger said, "Oh at least as many as you and mother."
"I wouldn't say that to any prospective brides. You'll scare them off", Marian laughed.
"That's if meeting the family doesn't scare them off in the first place", Guy said.
Marian looked outside and noticed the sun starting to go down. "We need to leave. Tis getting late."
"You're welcome to stay here tonight", Roger said.
"This close to home I prefer to sleep in my own bed", replied Marian.
Roger went out and had one of the stable hands get his parents' horses ready. Within minutes Guy and Marian were on their way back to the castle. Knowing they might be late they had brought some guards with them. There were a couple times when they felt they were being watched from the trees, but nothing came of it.
Lying in bed that night, Guy tried to nuzzle Marian's neck but she pushed him away. "What do you think of Sir Rupert's daughter? She's fair to look at and intelligent."
Guy ignored Marian's question and moved to caress the underside of her breast.
"Guy what do you think?" Marian was paying no attention to Guy's hand.
"Think about what?" Guy did not want to get into this conversation in his bed. He knew that Marian would fixate on finding Roger a wife to the detriment of their relationship. Guy decided he needed to distract her in the beginning stages of her fixation or he might as well be sleeping alone. He wanted all of her engaged not just her body.
"Sir Rupert's daughter. Or maybe Lady Gwyneth, she comes with a large dowry and though she isn't beautiful she is pleasing to look at a little plump perhaps." Guy cupped a breast and leaned up on one elbow to kiss Marian. She swatted him away. "Guy your not paying attention." Guy growled and flopped on to his back putting an arm over his eyes.
Marian still ignored Guy and kept on chatting. "Sir Lionel's daughter could work too. They have a large family so we shouldn't scare her off and she is beautiful.
"What ever you think best", Guy said rolling away from Marian. Finally realizing Guy had been trying to get her attention Marian molded her self to Guy's back putting her arm around his waist.
"Maybe we can have a banquet and invite a variety of eligible girls." Marian couldn't help adding.
Guy shook his head and sighed. Within minutes he was asleep. Marian on the other hand was wide-awake making lists.
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Every Gisborne male looked at Roger and glared at him. Now they were all going to be stuck at some silly banquet just so he could find a wife. Roger should have known that his mother would come up with some fantastic scheme. She never did anything by halves. Roger sent an apologetic look to all his brothers and his father. His sisters on the other hand were ecstatic, a chance for new dresses and new men.
The day of the banquet dawned and the guests started to arrive. Most would be spending the night and the ones with daughters spending at least a couple of nights. Guy hid down at the training grounds. After a few hours he found many of the fathers and brothers eying him with envy. He stopped his opponent and walked over to the assembled group.
"Come join in. My men can always use some fresh blood to practice on." Guy was holding his helmet.
Most of the fathers declined but many of their sons jumped at the chance to show up the Gisborne army's skills. Some wanted a chance at Sir Guy himself. Though almost seventy Guy still had no trouble swinging a sword and would give anyone a good fight.
After showing their guests to their rooms and most of the men escaping the castle Marian and her daughters had refreshments set out for the prospective brides, their mothers and sisters. Margaret and Cicely decided to help Roger's cause by giving all the brides a glowing report of their brother. If Roger had heard their descriptions of him he would have died of mortification.
The banquet went smoothly with Roger being introduced to every girl on his mother's list. He even talked to a few that weren't on the list. After the guests had all gone off to their rooms Roger sat with his parents at a table in the great hall.
"So did any of them stick out for you?" Marian was anxious to find out what Roger thought of her picks.
"I can eliminate about half of them. At least three were horrified at the size of our family. Two more are terrified of horses and one was so shy she couldn't get a word out and had her mother speak for her all evening." Roger shuddered. Looking at his mother's list Roger crossed off the six girls. Marian's face sank. She had her favorite and it seemed the girl had already been eliminated.
"Come let's go to bed. We've got a couple more days." Guy stood up and took Marian's hand and led her up the stairs. Roger followed he would be staying with Crispin for the night.
Roger was out of the castle and back to Knighton before any of the visiting ladies were up. Many were disappointed that they didn't get to see him. Most of the girls crossed off the list left that morning. Two others left having decided they had no interest in Roger. Three remained Lady Penelope, Lady Avice and Lady Heloise.
Marian rode with the three girls and their families to Knighton. The whole village stopped to watch the procession. Roger walked up from the stables and welcomed everyone into his home. All were given food and wine. Each girl got a chance to spend time alone with Roger. He showed them the stables and paddocks and explained what would be expected of them as his wife. Roger enjoyed talking to each girl, but for some reason he couldn't see himself married to any of them. Seeing them all off he stood by his mother's horse holding the bridle.
"None of them. I'm sorry", Roger said looking up at his mother.
"Why?' Marian was genuinely puzzled.
"It doesn't feel right." Looking up at his mother Roger shrugged his shoulders.
"You could learn to love one of them. They're all fine girls." Marian gave Roger concerned look.
"I want what father has with you." Roger had a hint of desperation in his voice.
"Ask your father about learning to love someone after you're married to them."
Roger looked up at his mother and saw a faraway smile on her face. "You and father love each other."
"Yes with all our hearts, but it wasn't always so. I best get our guests back to the castle. I'll see you at supper?"
"Yes" Roger patted his mother's horse as she left for Nottingham.
Two more banquets were held to no avail. Marian was becoming exasperated with her son. "I've brought over twenty-five women to the castle, surely one of them would have suited.
"Leave the man alone. He'll know the right one when he sees her." Guy was tired of all the fussing Marian was doing with all these banquets. He wanted his life back to normal.
"I wash my hands of it then." Marian didn't see Roger look over at his father and mouth 'thank-you' or her husband look up towards heaven and thank God.
Roger was out in the stables back at Knighton when he heard someone try to break in. He quickly grabbed a knife and blew out the light. A man came in and tried to untie one of Roger's best brood mares. Coming up behind the thief he placed his knife at the man's throat.
"Don't move. I'll slit your throat and laugh while I'm doing it." The thief stilled. Roger backed him into a stall so he couldn't immediately get to the door. Roger lit a candle when the door opened and a female backed in saying, "Are you crazy blow that candle out do you want us to get caught?"
"Too late", Roger said, "he's already caught."
The girl spun around and saw Roger holding a knife with her father backed into a stall.
"Let my father go." The girl threatened Roger with her own knife. With only a couple of moves Roger had the girl pinned to his chest and his knife at her throat.
The father knew that he and his daughter had just signed their own death warrants. Horse thieves were hung.
"If you spare our lives I'll give the girl to ya."
"Father" the girl cried out.
"She be a comely lass and I could fetch a fair price for her."
"You would sell your own daughter to a stranger?" Roger was shocked.
"I hear you be looking for a wife." The father had made it his business to find out about Roger. He wanted some leverage if things went wrong and they had just gone very wrong. He could see that Roger was becoming aware of the fact he held a shapely female in his arms.
Roger narrowed his eyes. He did not like strangers knowing his business. The girl started to wiggle in his arms causing her backside to rub up against him. "Be still"
"She'll give ya fine sons and daughters. Her mother whelped six younguns."
Roger could not believe he heard himself say, "Did they all live?"
"Oh aye." The man smiled he knew he had his future son-in-law in front of him.
The girl stopped struggling at Roger's question. She knew that she had slipped into some alternative reality because this couldn't be real.
"You're not really thinking you're goin to marry me are you?"
"Why not? I like a challenge. Tis either marry me or you get hung. Take your choice."
"You don't even know my name or what I look like."
Roger spun the girl around and looked at her for the first time. Even with all the dirt she appeared to be nice looking. He had felt her figure when he held her and knew she had a nice shape under the baggy clothes. There was a look of intelligence about her and she could be taught to read and write. And she had guts. There was no blubbering when he held her at knifepoint. She even struggled to get away.
Roger started laughing. The woman started moving towards the door, but Roger blocked her way still smiling.
"What's so funny?" The girl asked.
"I can't wait for you to meet my parents."
Roger tied both their hands and loaded them in a cart. Arriving at the castle Roger had both of his prisoners brought into the great hall. His parents and the rest of his family were sitting in front of the fire. Guy signaled to some guards into position should there be any problems.
"Mother, Father I'd like to introduce to you my future wife and father-in-law."
Marian's jaw dropped and Guy could only stare at his son. Margaret looked at her brother and said, "Have you developed a brain fever, because you can't be serious."
Roger gave Margaret a dirty look. "I caught this man trying to steal my best brood mare. He offered me his daughter if I would spare his life. I decided to take him up on his offer."
"Take them to the dungeons", Guy said.
Roger raised his sword, "No". The guards backed off. Guy nodded his head and they backed away even further.
"Your names?" Marian asked.
"Rufus of Boughton and this is my daughter Isolde. Her mother was the youngest daughter of a squire."
"How did she end up married to you?" Guy asked.
"There were twelve children ten of em girls. The father lost all his lands paying taxes for King Richard's war in France. I was a ferrier come back from the crusades with some money in my pocket. Paid a fair price for the daughter. We was happy. Found some ferrier work when I come back but as soon as I get settled the town would get taxed too heavy they had no money for me. Even the manors were having a hard time paying a man. Had to sell my equipment for food and lodging. Finally took to thieving."
"Is this true girl?" Guy gave Isolde a penetrating look.
"From what I know yes. And they were happy." Isolde looked Guy straight in the eye. He could see no deception there.
"Roger take the bindings off them. Braxton take Rufus to a room and get him cleaned up and some clean clothes. Margaret take Isolde up to your room and make sure she has a bath and clean clothes. She looks to be your size."
Guy raised an eyebrow and watched his wife work the castle into a tizzy. There was no point stating the obvious that Roger's future wife and father-in-law were horse thieves. Marian had decided they would make the perfect in-laws so they were going to be in-laws.
Rufus was back down in the great hall before his daughter. Roger was talking to him and his parents when it became silent. He turned a round and caught his breath. The most stunning female he had ever seen was standing at the top of the hall stairs. Even his father had to catch his breath and he never paid any attention to women other than his mother. The girl had light auburn hair that curled, eyes as green as emeralds and a shape that made Roger want to bed her right then and there. Margaret whispered something in her ear and the girl looked down at Roger. She could see his mouth wide open and smiled.
Rufus walked up the stairs and took his daughter's arm and led her down to Roger. Roger still hadn't closed his mouth.
"You look like a fish", Isolde said. Roger's jaw snapped shut. Isolde noticed that Roger too had cleaned up and was in fresh clothing. She looked at his parents and then looked back at him. He had his father's eyes and mouth and his mother's hair. If this really was truly happening to her she didn't think she could have found a better-looking man. Not among thieves anyway. And to be offered a life where she had a home to stay in and not be on the run. Isolde felt tears forming in her eyes.
Marian put her hand on Isolde's arm and asked her what was wrong.
"Tis a cruel trick to play on a person. Dressing them up in fine clothes only to hang them."
Roger immediately went over to Isolde and put his hands on either side of her face. "Tis no trick. I will marry you. I know it may sound crazy, but I know tis right."
The villagers of Knighton lined the way to the church. They threw flowers at the bride as she walked to the church. Roger and Isolde made their vows at the church door and then went inside for the blessing. Nine months later they blessed Guy and Marian with their second grandchild.
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Isolde was standing in the room with Guy and Marian's bodies. Roger walked in and put his arms around his wife.
"You're parents never gave it a second thought that I had tried to steal your horse did they? They didn't hold it against my father either."
"No. They loved you because I loved you. And yes I fell in love with you in the stable that night. Your father proved a valuable asset at Knighton."
Isolde had tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry to see them go."
"I know. I'll miss them too."
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And now you know why I don't write sex scenes. I'm pretty sure I've included every cliche in the book. : )
