Chapter 10

Two days later, Lady Mary Katherine came in to check on her son. Sir Edward had granted her permission to stay in the castle as well as long as Robin should need to be there. She could not fathom leaving her only child for others to care for in his time of need. Not being used to just lying around, she noticed that poor Robin was about to go stir crazy. Much had stayed with him day and night. They had played chess, many times, and although Much was improving greatly with the practice, Robin did not think that he could play another game. Marian had not returned since he had made her angry, and that, too, had bothered him. Sensing his melancholy, the wise woman made a suggestion.

"Robin, dear, why don't I have Miss Lynette venture here and you can continue your French lessons?"

"I suppose", he replied.

"It will keep your mind busy and time will pass more quickly."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Robin, what's wrong?"

"Have you seen Marian?"

"No, dear. I'm afraid I have not seen her since your accident. Why?"

Robin looked down, bobbed his head, and said, "No reason, I guess."

"Well, I will see about her, all right? In the meantime, I will send for Miss Lynette." Then she leaned down and kissed his forehead and left him in the room."

The next day, Miss Lynette arrived shortly after breakfast. She came ready to make up for the lost days. After several hours, she decided that the young man was in need of a break. She placed the book down and engaged him in a friendly conversation.

"So, Robin of Locksley….I am need of a break. How about we get to know each other just a little better?"

"All right. What did you have in mind?"

"Tell me something about yourself. You told me the day we met that you wanted to learn French in case you ever get to meet the king."

"Yes, ma'am."

"What would you say to the king if you did meet?"

"Well, I would tell him how much I admire him. I would also inquire about being one of his guard."

"One of his guard? My, that is ambitious."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Tell me more."

"Well, I am quite good with the bow. Mother and Father say I have a gift."

"Where did you learn of the bow?"

"When I was about 8 years old, I followed one of our serfs as he went on a hunt. His name was Ben. He did not know that I had followed. His aim was amazing. I was quite impressed with his skill. So, I asked him to teach me how to shoot."

"What did your parents have to say of that?"

"Well, to be quite honest, I did not tell them at first. I worked and worked at it and entered a contest in Nottingham. They were unawares. When I won the contest, I had to tell them. Father was upset at first, but when he saw me shoot, he became less so. I have entered all the contests since and I have won almost all of them, just lost a couple in the beginning."

"That is impressive for one so young."

"Since that time, Father has had me trained so that one day, I may be in service of the king. I practice the bow and using the sword. Mother however, insists that I also be educated in languages and mathematics so that I will one day be able to take over Locksley and be efficient at managing the estate."

"Your mother is quite the wise lady. She is correct in that an education is quite necessary for success."

"I know. It's not so bad. I do rather enjoy some of it……..not the mathematics so much, though", he grinned.

"Very well. How about we proceed then?" she asked.

"Yes, ma'am."