Chapter 11
It had been nearly a week since the accident. Time indeed passed a little quicker for Robin once Miss Lynette began coming to the castle. He rather looked forward to her daily lessons. He was also becoming quite proficient with the French language. Miss Lynette made over him and commented on how bright a pupil he truly was.
One morning, he spoke as his mother entered the room bringing him a tray for breakfast, "Bonjour, maman."
His mother responded in kind, and they proceeded to have a short conversation in French. "I am so pleased, Robin", she beamed. "You are doing quite well. I am proud of you, Son."
"Merci', mother." A moment later, he inquired, "Mother, have you been able to speak to Marian? Why has she not been to visit?"
"Yes, dear. Well, I have briefly spoken to Edward, not to Marian specifically. It seems that Lady Knighton has taken ill. She is not doing well and Marian has not left her side in days. I fear from what Edward has said, things do not look promising", she said with sadness in her voice.
"I see."
"On the bright side, the physician and Matilda both have agreed that you may be moved and we will be taking you home this afternoon. It will be so nice to be back in our own home, don't you agree, Robin?"
"Yes, Mother. It will nice", he smiled at her. His eyes did not shine as he spoke, though. His thoughts were several miles away, with Marian and her mother. He knew that if anything happened to Lady Knighton, Marian would be devastated.
Later that afternoon, Robin was carried to a waiting carriage outside the castle to take him back to Locksley. He felt more than slightly embarrassed at having to be carried like a small child. He wished he could have just walked, albeit, it would have been slowly. He wanted to stop at Knighton Hall on the way, but his father insisted that they go straight to Locksley to get him settled. When the carriage entered the Locksley village, many of the serfs ran out to welcome the young master home. He waved through the window at them and thanked them all for their well wishes. Once at the house, Robin was again carried from the carriage. He asked to be seated in the sunshine for just a while. He had so missed being outdoors while he recuperated inside the castle. He had no window in the castle room. There was no fresh air, nor sunshine. As he sat, he looked around the manor with a definite want in his gaze. Out in the yard was Dan Scarlett, the village woodworker. Dan was a tall, strong man with dark brown hair. He was a kind man and was very talented when it came to anything made of wood. The carpenter had lived all his life in Locksley and built over half of the village. Having a son near Robin's age, he immediately recognized the look on Robin's face. It was the look of complete and utter misery. The poor lad was not able to get around on his own and Dan could just imagine how he felt at having to be carried. With that in mind, Dan set off to work. A couple of hours later, he stood in front of Robin.
"Master Robin?"
"Hello, Dan."
"How are you on this fine day?"
"I am well, thank you."
"With respect, young man, you do not look well."
"The physician and Matilda both said I am healing", he retorted assuring Dan he was fine.
"Oh, I don't mean no disrespect, Master Robin. I just meant that you looked a bit unhappy."
"Well, there isn't much to do."
"I came to help you in that matter, if you don't mind then."
"Help? How?" asked Robin full of hope.
Just then, Dan pulled from behind him a pair of wooden crutches. "Thought these might help!" he smiled.
The change in Robin's somber mood was clear with his approval. Dan walked closer, helped Robin out of his chair, and got him steady on his foot. It took only a few moments for Robin to figure out how to use the new tools. He thanked Dan for his thoughtfulness and went in to show them off to his parents.