On the Way to an Easier Life
Chapter 10
Robin left the garden so Marian and Edward could have some time alone. He found the abbess and took care of his business. When it was finished, he inquired about a priest and the arrangement of a wedding. Some time later, he went back to the garden. Edward grabbed him and gave him a hug. "Thank you, my boy. Thank you."
"You are quite welcome, Edward.", he smiled and winked at Marian.
"Marian told me your news. I couldn't be happier! It is about time."
"I am glad you are pleased.", he said as Marian grabbed for his hand and stood next to him. "Arrangements have been made for just before sundown. The abbess has asked to speak with you, Marian."
"I will take my leave, then. You two stay out of trouble.", she teased.
As she left, Robin sat down to visit with Edward.
Just before the sun started to set over the pond, Robin waited for his bride. Marian come down the path holding Edward's arm. She was a vision. The abbess had loaned her a lovely white gown. It was simple and straight. The bodice was lacy and showed off Marian's lovely figure. Her long, brown hair hung over her shoulders. A halo of white flowers adorned her crown and she wore the widest smile he had ever seen.
When they reached the pond, Edward carefully placed her hand into Robin's and patted them before standing aside.
Robin vowed to his lady his undying love forever. He promised to spend the rest of his life trying to make her happy and to fulfill her every need. Marian told Robin he was the lord of her heart and that he always had been. She thanked God daily that he returned from the Holy Land to her. She promised to always stand by his side.
When the priest said, "You may kiss the bride", Robin gently held her face and leaned in. Her arms wrapped around his neck and when their lips met, he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her closer. They parted when they heard clapping and rested their foreheads together.
After the ceremony, the abbess treated them all to a lovely supper. Edward hugged them both goodnight and retired to his bedchamber for the night. Robin and Marian were shown to a room in which to spend the night. Once inside, they looked at each other and smiled. Robin took Marian's hands and kissed them.
"It seems we are alone."
Marian blushed, "So it does."
Robin kissed her softly and said, "I will sleep on the floor tonight."
"Why would you do that? You are my husband."
"I know. I just didn't want you to feel rushed. I thought after your experience with Gisbourne, you might not be ready."
Marian wrapped her arms around him and said, "The sheriff and Guy have robbed many things from many people. You, Robin Hood, have robbed to help the poor. However, I will only get one wedding night, you know. No one is going to rob me of that. I will not allow it. You are my husband and I want to be your wife in every way."
"You are sure?"
"I am."
Robin kissed her lightly. Then he took her in has arms and kissed her more passionately. She responded in kind. They stood there kissing and holding each other. Neither was holding anything back. Then Robin scooped her up and carried her to the bed. He lay her down gently and slid onto the bed beside her. He caressed a breast and kissed down her neck.
"Robin….."
"Yes."
"I hope my inexperience does not disappoint you."
"What?"
"I'm sure you have….", she started. But Robin placed his finger across her lips.
"I have not done all you believe I have. We will learn together.", he smiled.
"Really?" He nodded and continued to kiss her.
They spent the next few hours holding and fondling each other, making discoveries about each other, and finally joining together as one. Neither one had realized how much a man and a woman could love each other. When they had finished making love, Marian's head lay upon Robin's shoulder. She played with the hair on his chest and he held her tightly beside him. As he slowly rubbed her arm, she looked up at him and asked, "Robin? How long before we can do that again?"
He grinned widely and began kissing her.