Part 12
"Where are we?" asked Alan as they reached the better part of the city and a tall house.
"It seems familiar," said Much vaguely.
"It should," replied Marian. "You have been here before."
"Have I? It was probably in daylight then."
She gave him a hopeless glance mingled with a smile and knocked upon the front door.
"The front is that wise?" he asked loudly in her ear, so much so she jumped.
"Yes. Will you be quiet and stand still until I ask you to move," she replied exasperated with him, tired from travelling and worried about Robin.
He immediately froze and stood stock still as a statute which had Alan and John shaking their heads at him.
"She didn't mean it literally," Alan said.
"I did," Marian replied without looking round and Alan shrugged what did he know about women?
The door was answered by a manservant and Marian introduced herself and asked if the lady of the house was in residence, it appeared she was and would see Marian.
Turning to the gang Marian said, "Much, as you have been here before come with me."
"What about us?" asked Alan.
"You can wait or go back to the Inn."
"You, we can not leave," said John.
They determined this for a while on the doorstep until the manservant told Marian her servants could take rest and refreshment in the kitchens. Much wished then he didn't have to accompany Marian to see this lady whoever she was, food seemed much more appealing.
As the gang filed past him Djaq said. "We will save you some."
"Good," he told her. "Otherwise I shall faint from hunger."
"Come," said Marian taking him by the arm and following the manservant to the main room of the house.
"Marian!" The woman who was perhaps Robin's age not a lot shorter than he with brown hair and a slim figure clothed in a blue dress stood and greeted her warmly as Much tried in vain to recall who she was.
She turned to Much, "And you, you have grown into a man."
"I have?" asked Much, adding, "My lady."
"You do not remember me, do you not?" she asked her eyes twinkling in a manner which reminded him of Robin when he was up to something.
"No, I am sorry I do not," he admitted.
"We have met twice before; one was a happy occasion the other was not. You came here to York with Robin for my wedding about a year before you went to seek your fortunes in the Holy Land. I am Robin's first cousin on his father's side, my name is Eleanor, sadly my husband died leaving me a widow three winters past, but unlike so many left me financially secure albeit without an heir," she said with a sigh at the end and gradually recognition flooded Much's face.
"Yes, yes. Forgive me I recall now," he said looking mightily relieved at least he felt he could trust her and her servants, they would be safe.
Calling to her manservant she asked that Much should receive refreshment along with the other servants Marian had brought with her. Much shot Eleanor a thankful glance, he would be forever grateful to her for allowing him to eat.
When Marian and Eleanor were alone the older woman asked. "So, you have not come just to renew your acquaintance with me. What troubles you?"
Taking a deep breath Marian replied, "Robin."
"Robin," repeated Eleanor thoughtfully. "Tell me what has happened. I have heard he has lost the family lands, his name but what has happened now?"
Marian began to explain the situation to Eleanor, her ideas of getting Robin out and how she needed Eleanor's assistance to do just that. To Marian's relief Eleanor agreed.