Chapter 52

Edward and Robert were taken to the nearby village of Leicester. The nearest doctor was summoned and brought to assist their injuries. Mary Katherine's body was also taken along and set to rest in the carpenter's hut. Once they arrived, Edward asked a rider to be sent for his daughter and Robin of Locksley. The messenger was instructed to only inform the pair there had been an accident, but no more.

In the meantime, the doctor arrived and started to work on Edward. The older man insisted that he could wait and insisted that Robert be looked on first. Obliging the request, he discovered a large bump on the unconscious man's head, several cuts and bruises, and some broken ribs. Hours later, he returned to attend to Edward. Just as he finished tying the sling around his neck, the door burst open and Marian ran straight through it.

"Father!" she cried. "What happened? Are you all right?" she asked frantically as she went to embrace him.

"Yes, Child… I am fine."

Marian looked to the doctor who nodded in agreement. "Give him some time and he will be fine. His arm is broken, but it should heal" the man said smiling at her. "He is a very lucky man."

As he saw movement, Edward looked up to see that Robin had entered the room. "Robin."

"Hello, Sir. I am glad to find you well. She was so worried all the way here."

Edward looked to Marian and smiled. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He was bracing himself to give Robin news he did not wish to impart. He had thought all day, and still did not quite know how to say it.

When he opened his eyes, Robin asked, "Where are my parents, Sir Edward? I should like to check on them."

Edward looked to the doctor and then back to Robin. He stood and walked slowly over to the young man he thought of as his own. Placing his hand on Robin's shoulder, he cleared his throat and began, "Robin……"

"What is it Edward? You are making me nervous."

"Robin, your father is in the next room. He was also injured. He is still not yet conscious."

Instantly, Robin demanded, "I want to see him. Take me to him please."

Shaking his head, he requested the doctor to lead them to Robert. When the small group entered the dimly lit room, Robert lay on a small bed. His head was bandaged as were his ribs. There were two leeches placed on his upper torso where some very large bruises lay. He looked as if he were sleeping. Robin walked very quietly and stood beside the bed where he was able to see the slight rise and fall of his chest assuring him that his father was indeed still drawing breath. Without looking away from his father Robin asked, "Will he live?"

"It is still too early to tell. When he wakes, I will feel much better about his chances."

Nodding, Robin glanced around the room. "Where is Mother? Why is she not sitting here with Father?"

No one moved. Robin asked again, "Edward…..my mother?"

With tears in his eyes, Edward said, "Robin, my dear boy, I am so sorry….."

"Sorry?...about what?"

"Robin… when the carriage tumbled…both your father and I were thrown from it. I am afraid that your mother was not. The coach landed on her……………her neck" he continued to choke out,

"her neck was broken."

"No…..no, you must be mistaken" he said shocked.

The doctor added, "It was a quick death. She felt no pain I assure you."

With tears stinging his eyes, Robin turned away. Marian went to grab his hand and he jerked away from her. Swallowing hard, he spit out, "Where is she? I want to see her."

"Of course", stated the doctor and explained where she could be found.

Robin exited quickly to find the place where she lay. Marian followed behind. She was unable to keep up with focused young man. When he arrived at the simple hut, he stood outside the door. He was unable to open it.

A tender voice beside him asked, "Would you like me to come in with you?"

Taking a deep breath, he shook his head no and opened the door. For the second time in just a matter of minutes, he walked into a dimly lit room. There on the bed lay Elizabeth. She appeared quite peaceful. Her face was a bit dirty and her hair was mussed and she was covered with a blanket. She, too looked as if she was asleep, but there was no rise and fall of her chest to assure him she was resting. He bent down and moved a lock of hair from her face. "Mother?" he whispered. He was so hoping for her to open her beautiful eyes. He lowered himself to his knees and touched her face. Such soft skin, he thought. How can someone who no longer lives still feel so soft. Again, he whispered her name. With no response, he took her small hand in his and held it tightly. Then he kissed it and began to sob. "No, no, no……….this cannot be. Why?" He then placed his head in his arms and wept over her still body.

Knowing she could not just sit there and watch him in pain that she more than understood, Marian quietly crept beside him and knelt down to take him into her arms. He turned and grabbed hold of her small frame and she sat silently rocking him as they both wept.