Chapter 7: "That one's trouble!"
It was late afternoon when Robin and crew were nearing Nettlestone. The purses they took several few days ago would help the villagers buy seed for spring planting. And Robin hoped someone from the village might have seen John.
Owen the miller grinned as the outlaws of Sherwood came around the bend leading to the village. It was unusual to see Robin; he had rarely been seen in the villages for the last couple of months.
"Robin is good to see you," Owen greeted. "It has been awhile."
Kate came out into the sunshine and from the corner of her eye observed Gillian, the village vixen. She saw the determined set of the young woman's jaw, the proud stance and recalled the stories Gillian was spreading in the villages these past weeks. Kate wished she'd been more watchful in the recent past. The entire scene came back like yesterday….
Several weeks ago the outlaws waylaid two wagons of ale and wine bound for Nottingham. It did not take long before every inhabitant of Nettlestone was with the outlaws in the depths of Sherwood. Nothing could keep Owen from going and Kate went under the pretext of keeping her husband out of trouble.
There was laughing, eating, dancing and carrying on much as they did every year at the time of the Blessing.
The major difference - at Blessing time light ale and honey mead were available. None were as strong as the Sheriff's libations, nor was there as much of it. There were flirtations and goings on, but there usually were at Blessing celebrations, too. Time and time again Djaq urged them to have a care; finally disgusted with the over-indulgence she disappeared into the night.
Kate well-remembered the tales Gillian spread the next day. Robin pursued and won her, and there was nothing lacking now but a ceremony. In fact, Robin asked her to join him in Sherwood that very night, to take Marian's place, but Gillian's folks were elderly and feeble; she could not abandon them. Too late then, Kate wished she had been sober. She remembered seeing Robin laughing and unsteady, locked in her embrace as they left the circle of firelight. Kate fell asleep shortly thereafter and had only Gillian's tongue to pass on the rest. And Owen, all he would say was, "It is none of our business, Kate."
"Do you hear what she's saying?" She questioned her husband.
"Let her say what she likes."
"And what if it is true?"
"What if it is?"
"They'll be trouble over this, Owen. There'll be none of us be safe if the Sheriff finds out Robin Hood's wife, or whatever, lives in Nettlestone!"
Gillian's story took on greater credibility since Marian was not with them.
"Robin!" Gillian ran and flung both arms about his neck in as possessive a manner as she knew. She kissed him quickly before he could protest.
Kate made a disgusted face, "That one's trouble."
"Wouldn't mind that kind of trouble!" Alan grinned admiring the pretty, buxom blonde.
Robin, his face reddening, pulled Gillian roughly aside by her forearm. He caught Owen's eye who indicated Robin could use the mill for privacy.
Roughly tossing the fawning girl inside, Robin glared at her. As soon as he closed the outer door, Gillian's hands clutched at him once more.
"What's wrong, Robin?" She well knew their every word was being overhead, and would use the opportunity to strengthen her claim of Robin's affection.
Holding her firmly by both wrists, Robin growled, "Stop it! Stop it!"
Tears suddenly appeared. "I love you. I can't help it, Robin. I'll do anything…"
He released her abruptly, clenching his fists and looking toward heaven for divine assistance.
"It's Marian isn't it? If she stayed away…she's not good enough for you. She doesn't love you!"
Robin slapped her hard across the face, desperate to quiet her. It could be argued which of them were more surprised.
Gillian held her stinging cheek, her eyes reflecting both shock and fear. It was the look in those eyes and self-loathing at striking her that preceded Robin's hasty apology. "Forgive me."
Had he been better acquainted with girls like Gillian, he would have left her right then and there. Instead, he repeated his regrets and afforded Gillian time to arrive at a more subtle strategy.
"You've nothing to apologize for." The young woman hadn't blushed in years, but managed to now. "I do love you…forgive me…but I do."
Receiving no response, Gillian continued in a voice much more tender, "I'll never bother you again. I swear, but…we can still be friends, can't we?"
Robin nodded his consent.
"Kiss me goodbye?" As she spoke she offered her cheek and he brushed it with his lips.
A small enough request to grant he reasoned. And with that, he left the mill relieved the matter was resolved so quickly.
Gillian caressed her cheek with the palm of her hand and squeezed her eyes shut against gathering tears. It's only Marian that keeps us apart, she thought. Were she gone his eyes would be opened and he would realize that.
Owen caught up with Robin as he left the mill. "Guess you'll be going, eh?" Owen tried not to grin, but failed somewhat.
Appreciative of the money for new seeds, the villagers shared enough of their stores with Much to make a fine meal. A slaughtered turkey, vegetables and a sack of flour from the mill were packed for the return trip to camp.
Once away from Nettlestone, it became clear to Robin that Much was glaring at him, greatly agitated. Finally he asked him what the matter was.
"They said you hit her!"
"'e slapped 'er Much," Alan corrected, "It's not like e' hurt 'er any."
"Oh," Much mumbled appearing to be deep in thought for some moments until he asked, "You would not slap Marian?"
"Of course not!" Robin assured him emphatically, but offered no further explanation.