Robert walked the grounds of Nottingham for what he believed to be the last time. He had been greeted back to the castle by a very enthusiastic Lord Steffon. Robert had assumed this to be a show. Steffon was obviously playing up the distressed Father role after hearing that his son was robbed by outlaws. But there was more.
A distressed Amelia pulled Marian away almost instantly. Amelia had been in service to Marian's family for years. She had cared for Marian since she was a small girl and was extremely protective. That was the first instance in which Robert met Amelia and he was fixed with a deep glare of disapproval.
Steffon acted in a similar fashion, pulling Robert away. But his news differed form what was expected. "We leave tomorrow!" he cried happily, a step away from dancing on the spot.
"So soon?" Robert asked, a mix of emotions flooding to him. "But we are yet to find Allen."
"Knowing him, he will already be back in Barnsdale. He will be fine. Meanwhile, we can all leave with our dignity intact."
Robert sat in a large chair. "Has Carew said something?"
Steffon sat in the opposing chair. "Yes, although he would never admit it, a higher bid has come forward. I overheard him telling his men. The Lord of Locksley shall arrive in a few days. So it was all too easy to convince him that we should be on our way."
"So we leave tomorrow?"
"Bright and early. As soon as possible."
Robert clasped his hands. "I am glad that everything worked well My Lord. Now would you kindly excuse me. I feel a little faint, the air is scarce. Perhaps a walk around the ground would calm me."
"Robert," Steffon called, his voice commanding. Robert turned, concerned. "Thank you, for everything you have done. I understand that it can't have been easy."
"I am here to serve you," Robert said, hoping that he disguised the hate in his voice.
Apparently, he had. Steffon smiled, reclining back in the knowledge that his nightmare was ending.
Robert's nightmare however, was just beginning.
And so he walked, his thoughts uninterrupted until he heard his name. Or rather. Allen's name. It seemed that he had finally learnt to answer to it. Somehow, he knew that this was not true. He would never learnt to respond to the name 'Allen.' He had simply learnt to respond to Marian's voice.
He looked up to see her waving down at him from a high balcony. The hour was late and he was surrounded by darkness. The moonlight must have illuminated him enough for her to make him out. She was shadowed by the warm glow of her room and he thought her to be even more beautiful still. Her hair hung free again, curling down her pale green robe.
From what he could gather, he saw her raise a finger, indicating for him to wait. She turned, studying something behind her before turning back. A large oak tree grew nearby, it's higher branches reaching out, almost to where she stood. Steadying herself on the large rail, she leapt for the nearest branch.
Robert caught his breath in shock, but he needn't have worried. She moved with grace through the branches, never once pausing.
"Impressed?" she called down. He could hear that she was grinning.
"Do you have a death wish?" he said, annoying at his own concern.
She climbed still. "Relax. I've been doing this for years."
Finally she reached the lowest branch which was still a large distance from the ground. She leapt down but he did not trust the height, raising his arms to catch her. She in turn, wrapped her arms around his neck.
They stayed like that for a time before he reluctantly helped her to her feet. "Thanks."
"So you have a strong dislike for marriage and using doors. Good to know."
He looked to her smiling face and felt that same anguish. "I suppose this will be the best time to say goodbye."
"Goodbye?"
"Apparently we have completed our task. Both my Father and your guardian are appeased and we shall be moving on tomorrow. Prepare yourself for the Lord of Locksley."
"Oh." He was not sure if it was wishful thinking that showed the disappointment on her face. But he was near certain that it was there.
"Lord of Locksley, aye?" she said, scrunching her nose. "That will be interesting."
"Do you know him?"
"Only in the same way I knew you before you arrived. By reputation."
"And what did my reputation speak about me?"
She looked surprisingly sheepish. "Well, I feel I should apologise for that. I'm afraid that I judged you harshly before actually meeting you. All I knew was that you had a Father who had high political positions in his sights. He has been vying for Carew's position as Sheriff for years and knows full well that Carew wishes to retire soon."
"And you thought the marriage would be a stepping stone for that?" Robert said, admiring her wisdom.
She shrugged, looking apologetic. "Well, I suppose I was wrong about you. I thought you would be just another spoiled rich man. But- and this pains me to say- you may well be a good man."
"I'll bet those words hurt."
She shuddered. "Be assured, you will never hear another compliment from me again."
"So, you admit you were wrong. I must say, I enjoy this. I hope you have learned a few lessons about people. And you never know. Maybe this Lord of Locksley will be your true love. You may go on to marry him and live happily for the rest of your days."
She laughed but there was little merriment. "So… Good luck. With everything. I wish you a lifetime of happiness."
Robert smiled as he raised his hand. He gently took her hand, still gazing at her and raised it to his lips.
Another eternity passed by as their hands remained clasped together.
"Well, goodnight."
"Yes. Goodnight."
No one could say who moved first. But regardless, their lips finally met.
Robert had never felt such happiness. Gingerly, he raised his hands to her waist, pulling her closer. Her hands rested upon his shoulders.
And still he kissed her. For a moment, he was able to forget everything.
And then that moment ended. A sharp cough caused them to leap apart. Robert looked over to see Steffon. He had known Steffon for many years and could tell when he was holding back fury. This was clearly one of those times.
"Lady Marian," he said, maintaining a firm face. "It is awfully late for you to be out without a chaperone."
"I was just-" Marian stuttered but knew that she held no defense. "I should go!" she added, voice turned high in nervousness.
"That would be best," Steffon said sternly.
She gave Robert a quick smile before hurrying away, looking back over her shoulder to him.
"And now, my son," Steffon said, beginning to show traces of losing his calm, "would you kindly escort me back to my quarters? Now!"
They walked in silence. Robert continued to feel a flurry of emotions. He knew the trouble he was in. And yet his heart soared.
The door closed behind them and Steffon snapped. "What the bloody hell were you thinking?" he yelled. Aware of their surroundings, he somehow managed to whisper as he roared. "We were so close to making it out of this. So why? Tell me, in heavens name, why you thought to do this? You want to bed her? Is that it?"
"Of course not!" Robert said, astounded.
"So what? What is going through your miniscule mind?"
Robert was silent, looking to the ground.
Steffon groaned, slumping into his same chair. "For goodness sake," he muttered. "You've fallen in love with her."
Robert stepped forward beginning to defend himself before Steffon held up his hand. "No! Don't deny it. You love her and because of that you are ignoring the amount of trouble you have put us in."
Indignant, Robert said, "I did not put us in this mess. Allen was the one who ran away and you were the one who insisted I impersonate him!"
"You dear speak to me so?"
"Apparently I do, 'Father.' And I never intended for any of this to happen."
"And yet, it did. Surely now she will be running off to Carew, insisting that we remain."
Robert's mouth twitched, excited at the notion. This only aggravated Steffon further. "Yes, this is a good thing! What do you expect to happen, boy? Do you expect to continue impersonating my son? Do you think to marry her? Because you need to wake up! Tomorrow, we shall be leaving. And you are going to have to tell her why."
"But how?"
"Anything but the truth. And sadly for you, this will mean breaking her heart. And whose fault is that?"
Robert stood still. Furious at the situation. "If that is all, may I please be excused?"
Steffon stood, asserting himself. "You will go to your quarters and remain there."
Robert swooped down into a mock bow. "Yes, Master."
After Robert had left the room, Steffon rested his hands on a table, leaning forward and taking deep breaths. Robert never saw the look of regret on the man's face. But it was definitely there.
...
Marian had fared well to mornings. But for the first time, she rose before her maids. Amelia had never coveted the task of awakening her mistress, knowing it to be a horrendous chore. This made for quite the surprise when she entered the room to see Marian almost skipping about, studying her wardrobe.
"Good morning," she called, pulling another option forth.
Amelia fought the urge to ask if the girl had taken ill. "Is everything alright?"
Marian responded with a large smile. "Yes, of course! I was just having trouble sleeping so I decided to get up." She suddenly looked panicked. "I don't look tired do I?"
Amelia shook her head. On the contrary, she thought Marian to look surprisingly radiant. Marian smiled and went back to her ruffling.
"What is all of this about?" Amelia asked cautiously.
Marian was too distracted to respond. She sighed as she ruled out a gown, flinging it back. It nearly landed upon her maid, Lilly, when she entered the room with a breakfast tray. "Watch it!" she called, loudly placing the tray down. Lilly had never been someone who greatly enjoyed her job. Taking orders had always been her own personal hell and she found small ways to show this.
"She's acting strange," Amelia muttered.
"Well act strange faster, Carew is waiting for you. You need to make an appearance to farewell the Barnsdale Lord."
Lilly watched as Marian's head snapped to face her. She was almost certain that she must be experience neck pains.
"What?"
"Remember? Today is the morning that they leave."
"Are you sure?"
"I have far more important things to be confused over. Besides, I saw the carriage being packed, didn't I?. And that was an hour ago. Must be almost ready by now."
Lilly's own neck felt a sharp pain as he head snapped to follow Marian as she bolted from the room.
Puzzlement still held Amelia as she watched the door slowly rock closed. "Do you think she is ill?"
Lilly was promptly helping herself to toasted bread from the tray. She chose not to answer, but smirked.
Marian ran down the stairway. Her first regret was her still bare feet as the stone sent shivers of cold through her. Surely this must be a mistake. Why would he be leaving?
But sure enough, the courtyard was a buzz with busy servants, loading chests and bundles onto an already overloaded carriage. She scanned the area before a firm hand was placed on her shoulder.
"What in God's name do you think you are doing?" Carew said, forcibly pulling her back. "Why aren't you dressed? Do you have any idea how inappropriate this is. People will think you a savage. This is exactly the sort of madness that needs to cease!"
Marian could see the anger in his eyes but also the exhaustion. He was tired of having to cope with a young rebellious woman. Little did he know, she was doing everything in her power to be free of him. "Have they left?"
Carew was surprised by the urgency in her voice. "No but-"
That was all the knowledge she needed as she ran off.
The dampness of the ground worsened her steps as she shivered. Yesterday's antics had already given her ill health as she could feel her throat and nose tickling. Common sense urged her inside, with the knowledge that they would not leave for a time yet. But she remained rooted in place.
And finally she saw him. He was across the courtyard, speaking to a young servant boy. She thought his name to be Benjamin or something along those lines. She recognised him from around the halls. The boy had always seemed so nervous and fragile. But here he was smiling and happy. She smiled, seeing how kindness was another quality that Lord Allen possessed.
The young boy saw her, jerking his head to his companion. But when the Lord looked to her, Marian did not see the normal happiness that tended to ensue. And all too quickly she remembered her reason for distress, quickly walked over.
"Marian, what are you doing out here? And dressed like that?" He pulled her back slightly by the upper arm and she wondered if she shamed him by dressing so. Perhaps he was not everything she had hoped. Or maybe, she was just looking for reasons to guard her feelings.
She needn't have worried. He only moved to be out of the way to once more remove his cloak to place it upon her shoulders. She shivered into it, immediately feeling the heat from his body that still nestled there.
"Sorry, I just thought I would have had more time to say goodbye."
He looked away, and she struggled to maintain eye contact. "I told you I was leaving."
Defensive seemed an optical path to take. "And nothing has changed since then?"
Finally, he looked at her. And she found herself missing the time when she could not meet his gaze. For there was so much sorrow there. She knew to not expect good news. "Like I said, it's time to go."
She squinted slightly, but not due to sunlight. "Alright," she said quietly. "Was it something I've done? Just, you know, for future reference. So I know not to do it again for future suitors."
"Of course not."
"So why the haste?"
She could have sworn that for a moment, he looked over to his Father. But when she turned to look upon Lord Steffon, he had turned to a nearby servant to say something.
"You could always come and visit you know. You did promise to train me with a blade."
"I'm sure that your brother will assist you when he returns."
"Or maybe I could come to Barnsdale."
"No! You couldn't!"
She found herself stepping back at the cruel firmness in his voice. It was a tone she had never heard him use before. "Oh…" she said, finally understanding. "That's fine then." She knew that she was doomed. For years she had been meeting men. Some were drunks. Some were violent. Most were consumed by greed. Some were a horrible combination. The few that showed kindness were at least twice her age. And finally, she had met someone. And now that someone had no feelings for her.
She watched him look over the courtyard, clearly contemplating an exit. But he turned back. She did not think that any words could make her feel worse than she did. But apparently she was wrong. "I'm in love," he said quietly. "I'm in love with this wonderful girl. And this is a real shock because Lord knows I hated her at first. But I can never be with her."
Each word was a dagger for Marian, being plunged deeper. "Why?"
"It would never be allowed. Let's just say, the class system is against us."
He so desperately wanted her to listen closely to his words. But Marian was instantly picturing a beautiful young servant girl. And inwardly she cursed them both. But the Lady in her demanded that on the outside, she smile. "Well, I wish you a lifetime of happiness," she said, hoping her voice did not give her away. "Now if you'll excuse me, I should probably go and make myself half way decent."
He smiled, wishing that he could tell her how perfect she already was.
She turned back, despite trying her best not to. "Is she prettier than me?"
Regardless of the situation, he genuinely laughed. "Shall we call it a draw?"
She grimaced.
Marian had almost reach the large doorway when a commotion caused her to look back.
Two guards were dragging forth a disheveled man. His blonde hair was streaked with dirt, as were his torn clothes. Stubble covered his chin. His eyes peered desperately around the courtyard before settling on Lord Steffon. "Father!" he called, in exuberance.
Carew looked across sharply. "I was not aware that you had another son," he said in a hushed voice.
Steffon mumbled something, quickly striding forward.
But it was too late. "Robert!" he called, looking to his friend.
Steffon faltered in place, knowing that there were not enough words in the English language to talk himself out of this.
Marian leant against a ledge, her fingers gripping onto it.
"What the bloody hell is going on here!" Carew yelled.
Steffon gulped. "That is my son, Lord Allen."
And before he knew it, Robert was also restrained.
He tried to look for Marian, but she had already fled.