Disclaimer: All original characters belong to BBC/Tiger Aspect
A/N: A huge thank you to Jadey36, for reading this through and the invaluable feedback and advice.
Previously
Marian led Guy some way before reaching a hollow underneath a great chestnut tree. 'Nice spot,' he said dryly, 'quiet, romantic.' A smile was tugging at his lips as she faced him.
'Very,' Marian replied, feeling a rush of something, that heady thrill he elicited from her, so much more easily that she would ever admit, but a thrill she loved nonetheless. She pulled him to her, this time letting her want take her completely, letting him claim her.
Locksley, tunnels and money could wait.
Sins of the Heart Part Six
The sun was high in the sky, the bright light of noon obliterating the creeping autumnal feel of the morning. Marian and Guy stood looking over Locksley village, atop the hill on the edge of the trees. Little John had been sent to tell them where the gang were concealed before disappearing back into the woods. Evidently Robin was avoiding her, or his friends were keeping them apart. Marian didn't blame them, besides it made it easier. John too had been curt, cold with her. Lady Gisborne was no longer their friend it seemed.
Marian took a deep breath. 'Ready?' she asked Guy, taking the arm he offered. They began the walk down the hill, there were one or two of the villagers about, they received a deferential bob of the head and a wide-eyed stare before the peasants hurried away. Marian considered what a state they must both look; her dress was torn and dirty, she still had the slight taint of a bruise upon her face and her hair was wild. Guy looked no better, his breeches had a tear in the leg, blue material stuck out of the tear, from her dress, which she had used to bandage his wound and his long hair was unusually unkempt. But they walked tall and proud, Marian clutching his arm tightly, keen to display their togetherness, both to Guy and the villagers.
As they walked into the manor house Marian was struck by two things. Firstly, the place was empty of people. Secondly, half the furniture was missing. Guy's sword was drawn, he looked worried and pressed his finger to his lips as Marian opened her mouth to speak. He moved around cautiously, checking the hall, the kitchens and finally their bedchamber. He came back downstairs and shrugged.
'Seems empty,' he said. 'Let's get changed first, we can get some food too, I'm starving.'
'Guy, where's all the stuff?' She was confused, benches and chairs were missing, there were no vases and no jugs laid out as normal.
Guy glanced around and looked awkward. 'They must have cleared it up.'
Marian looked quizzically at him.
'I think I might have broken it, after you left,' he mumbled, casting his eyes to the floor, obviously embarrassed.
'Oh, Guy.'
Marian's heart went out to him. She saw that the shield, proudly bearing the Gisborne coat of arms, above the fireplace was dented, there were also scratches on the beams and walls. She should have been angry, he'd clearly smashed half the house up, but all she could feel was sorrow for his hurt, guilt that she had been the cause of it. Marian took him in her arms and held him as she had wanted to before fleeing. She stroked his hair and pressed into him.
'I'm so sorry,' she whispered, apologising yet again. She would never stop being sorry, she would never be able to apologise enough.
'No matter,' Guy said gruffly, easing back from her and giving her a thin smile. 'Not like we're going to need it now.'
He was trying to be calm, but she could feel him tense, this was the last time he would see the house he had worked so hard to get, to hold on to. It had been his prize and he had dreamed of filling it with their children. Now it was lost to him again. Because of her – he was an outlaw for her sake, if she hadn't been unfaithful he would have had his dream, it was another weight on her soul. But at the same time Marian knew that if he had stayed with the Sheriff she would never have felt the sincere affection with which she now gazed at him. He had her heart at last and somehow she would have to forget Robin and keep her heart just for Guy.
'Uh, shall we change our clothes first?' Guy asked, eventually pulling back from her embrace.
Marian nodded, following him upstairs and watching as he undressed and searched for new clothing. She felt awkward as she watched him shed his clothes, she was not accustomed to this easy familiarity with Guy. She found herself wondering if she would have felt uncomfortable if it were Robin. Probably not, because Robin would be chatting to her, teasing her, trying to get her out of her own clothes; it was so easy to just be with Robin.
Guy made her breath quicken a little as he strode about their bedchamber. He was muscular and strong, his impressive physique a reminder of his power over her. He made her both uneasy and excited in equal measure, just as he always had.
'Aren't you going to change your dress?' Guy asked her as he unwound her makeshift bandage and began to wipe his wound with a clean cloth. Marian wanted to turn away, but thought she should help him, be dutiful and caring. A good wife. She fetched a new bandage from her trunk and knelt beside him, blushing at his complete nudity. He laughed.
'You weren't so shy in the woods,' he smirked. Marian's cheeks burned even more. 'Come on, Marian, you're my wife, there's certainly nothing you haven't seen before.'
'No,' she said, determined to see to his wound without looking or feeling any more foolish. 'You're quite right. Now keep your leg still so I can do this.' Marian fixed her eyes determinedly on his leg, studiously ignoring every other part of him with more than a little effort. Guy was amused, he smiled at her, obviously enjoying her poorly concealed interest in his arousal.
'Thank you, my Lady,' he said as she finished and got to her feet. He took her hand as she began to back away and guided it between his legs. Marian knew what to do, she was now far from the innocent maid he had taken to his bed in Acre. Guy had seen to that, so had Robin. It wouldn't take much for her to lose herself, to fall into Guy's arms. But the shutters were open, the village busy, the house watched. Guy had his eyes closed and his head tilted back, his hand firmly gripping a portion of her sleeve.
'I don't think we have time for this,' she said, flustered, letting go of him. 'I have to change.'
'Well, take your dress off then.'
Guy let go of her sleeve and lay back to watch her. Marian stood still. She didn't want to undress whilst he watched her like this. It was not just because she never undressed in front of him– unless in a fit of passion, like in the forest – but she was also worried they were being watched. She knew Robin would be worried about her and she knew how well he could hide. She was determined he would never see the evidence of her shameful passion for Guy.
Marian stiffened. 'I can't, Guy,' she blurted. 'People might be watching, Prince John's soldiers, the gang – they said they were watching the house – the servants might return. I just can't. I'm sorry.'
She watched sadly as Guy's face fell into an expression she was familiar with: disappointment, hurt and a quiet frustration that she had yet again rejected him. She regarded him, his eyes sad, his face longing and his body: muscular, powerful, exquisitely handsome and so ready for her. Marian felt it in her loins, that aching need, a want she could not ignore, however much she might try. She turned from Guy, walked to the window and pulled the shutters firmly shut, plunging the room into darkness, but for a few shafts of bright daylight that slipped through a couple of thin cracks in the wood. She could see just enough to light the candle on the nightstand.
Guy sat on the edge of the bed waiting, watching her intently. Marian wanted to undress elegantly, but her hands were rendered clumsy by the nervousness she felt under Guy's gaze. She fumbled as she unlaced her corset, before turning her back to him as she let her dress fall to the floor. Shyly and tentatively, Marian turned around, glad of the dim light to hide her burning cheeks as she faced her husband. Her heart swelled at seeing the mixture of surprise and delight on Guy's face as she walked back to the bed and returned her attention to him. She found him irresistible in the low light of their bedchamber, the glow of the candle softening his features and bathing his flawless skin with a gentle, golden glow.
'Marian,' he growled softly, in a rich, deep voice that sent shivers down her spine.
Marian leaned forwards, brushed his lips with her own, felt the hard scratch of his stubble and the soft, wet touch of his mouth as he parted his lips, returning her kiss. He took her hand, guided it downwards again and this time Marian was lost, the hand that gently trailed down her back and thighs brushing away any lingering thoughts of resistance. He was all hers, her man, her husband, and as she knelt on the floor, between this thighs, she decided to show him just how much she belonged to him too.
Marian emerged from the little room beside their bedchamber feeling cleaner than she had in days, but also hot again in her heavy, black, velvet dress. It felt silly to be wearing one of her finest gowns for a raid on the castle and a journey into the unknown. But it was surprisingly practical with a fitted, leather bodice and a loose, but not too voluminous skirt.
'You look nice,' Guy said, with an almost shy smile.
'Thank you,' she said, her own shy smile mirroring his, she had chosen the dress mainly to please him. Guy was buckling his jacket and sheathing his weapons. He picked out another dagger from a chest under the bed and stuck it in his boot. He then handed Marian a dagger. She took it with another smile and added her own weapons. Her small knives disguised as hair pins. Guy laughed.
'I still can't believe you have those,' he told her, shaking his head. 'I've a lot to learn about you, Marian.' He then looked serious as he handed her a long, thin, intricately cut key. 'Here, hide this in your skirts. There is a small key hole on the wall next to the door of the strong room. There are three different settings for the traps. I reset it a few days ago, so it needs just one turn to reset the traps to a different pattern and two turns to disable the traps entirely. Once the traps are disabled they need to be reset manually because the timer needs rewinding. So, remember, two turns.'
Marian took the key, which was surprisingly light, and hid it in her skirts as he asked. She was about to lean in to kiss Guy when she was startled by a noise from the landing – footsteps and voices. She jumped back and picked up a bow and arrow she had readied for their journey as Guy silently drew his sword.
'I thought you checked up here?' Marian hissed at Guy, suddenly afraid.
'I did, I couldn't hear anything.'
Marian rolled her eyes as Guy turned away from her. Robin would never have made such a stupid mistake, she thought ruefully, before mentally scolding herself for such disloyal thoughts. Marian could hear voices, she was sure one was Isabella, the other was a man's, but she couldn't place it. She didn't like it one bit. Isabella and an unknown man was unlikely to be good news for her or Guy.
Guy and Marian stealthily crept to the door and peaked around it, glancing at each other, covering each other's backs. They crept onto the landing and Marian indicated movement from Isabella's bedchamber, the footsteps were coming from that direction, but they were heavy, too heavy for Guy's slight sister. Isabella's unmistakable, flirtatious laugh rang out and Marian's stomach dropped, she felt sick. If it was either of the two men most likely to worm their way into her bed, Marian's situation was about to get a whole lot worse.
Guy motioned for Marian to stay back, but she shook her head and raised her bow.
'I'll cover your back,' she mouthed silently.
Guy looked as though he was going to stop her, but then he gave her a small smile and edged forward, sword leading the way. As they inched along the landing it occurred to Marian that this was one of the very few times she could remember working with Guy outside their bed. They heard a scraping and muffled thumps, Marian thought it sounded like someone climbing out the window – she should know, she thought, guiltily thinking of all the times Robin popped up at her window.
Guy recognised the sounds too. 'Hood,' he muttered, striding towards Isabella's room angrily, stealth forgotten. Marian's heart sank, she hoped to God it wasn't, not just because it would send Guy over the edge again, but because of the sudden knot of jealousy that was bubbling in her stomach at the thought of Robin in anyone else's bedchamber, but especially Isabella's.
She didn't have long to wait to find out. Guy burst in brandishing his sword, Marian's bow was aloft, arrow nocked, face set. Isabella whirled around, muffling a squeal, followed by a sigh of relief when she saw who it was.
'Good God!' she hissed, 'don't do that, Guy.'
Marian was open mouthed. Isabella was walking towards them from the window, she had clearly been helping someone out. She wore an immensely satisfied look and to Marian's astonishment was naked, but for a sheet held over the front of her body. Marian glanced at Guy, he looked utterly amazed, but his amazement was quickly turning to anger. Marian automatically placed a placating hand on his arm.
'Isabella,' Guy growled, his voice laced with fury. 'What are you doing?'
'I could ask you the same,' Isabella replied, cool as a cucumber. 'You're back then?' she said, turning disdainfully to Marian. Marian ignored her and walked to the window, brushing Isabella aside. She looked out and quickly ducked from view, relief flooding her. For the man retreating from Isabella's window was not Robin. It was none other than Prince John.
'Isabella, that's the Prince,' Marian said, in surprise at the ridiculous sight of the Prince Regent running, in a somewhat flamboyant, showy way that no person really fleeing would adopt, away from her sister-in-law's window. His shirt was still hanging out of his breeches and his guards were nowhere to be seen. Marian watched Prince John scurry around the side of the house.
'Why is he sneaking out the window? He's the heir to the throne, he doesn't need to do that, surely he can take a mistress in the open?'
'He likes to play games,' Isabella laughed, 'it's all a game to him. He wanted to climb up to my window, sneak in and ravish me, like Robin Hood, so he sent his soldiers away and came by himself.' She smiled smugly at Marian, who was open mouthed at the audacity of the pair of them, but especially Isabella's nerve in mentioning Robin in such a fashion.
'That is the last time you ever play that game.' Guy spoke with a low fury, his hand gripped his sword so hard his knuckles turned white. 'Get dressed,' he spat at Isabella, his voice was rising dangerously. He looked around the room, at the rumpled sheets and Isabella's clothing strewn casually on the floor. 'Am I to be surrounded by whores?' Guy shouted addressing both his sister and his wife, before storming down the stairs.
Marian said nothing, she lowered her eyes. Isabella seemed chastened by his anger, a fearful look crossing her face, perhaps she was remembering the last time she had been on the receiving end of Guy's rage. She narrowed her eyes at Marian, before turning her back and beginning to re-dress herself.
Guy was fuming, Marian dared not speak, nothing anyone could say would be right at this moment and she had learnt over the course of their marriage that at these times no words were the best option. Marian had been hoping that they could go and join Robin and the gang immediately, but Guy was insistent in waiting for his sister. When she finally joined them her face was set in a defiant sulk.
'What are you playing at?' Guy asked, rising to his feet as she stood behind a chair, as though it might shield her from whatever onslaught she might face. 'You're a whore now, welcoming men to your bed in broad daylight?'
'You should be happy I am in the Prince's favour, it might be your only chance now.' Isabella paused, held Guy's gaze as her words sunk in. 'I have spoken to him about you. He is minded to forgive you, Guy.'
'Forgive me?' Guy was interested now, his rage at Isabella's loose morals abating slightly. Marian observed the subtle shift in his countenance. Guy looked at her, she could tell he was thinking of the plan to rob the castle. He turned back to Isabella, who suddenly held the prospect of a more appealing course of action.
'Yes, he never liked the Sheriff, said he was an irritating fool who thought too highly of himself and didn't love his prince. I am close to convincing him you only killed the Sheriff because you love John and knew Vaisey didn't.'
Marian couldn't help rolling her eyeballs at this remark. It did not go unnoticed.
'And what, pray, has Lady Gisborne to suggest? Perhaps you have a better way to restore your husband's favour and fortune?'
'I have a better way for him to be happy, yes,' Marian said defiantly. Guy gave her a look and she said no more. Not that she was about to reveal to Isabella a single thing about the plan to rob the castle. Instead, Marian looked at them, brother and sister; the same blue eyes, the same dark, handsome features. Both possessed with that streak of ambition and ruthlessness. She bowed her head in the face of Guy's hard glare. She was not so forgiven she could speak her mind freely, especially in front of Isabella. Besides, what did she really have to offer? The chance of an uncertain life as an outlaw?
'So, you will talk to the Prince again?' Guy asked, turning his full attention to Isabella and ignoring Marian.
'On one condition,' Isabella said, knowing she now held his interest captive.
'What?' Guy's voice was full of suspicion and mistrust.
'You apologise.' Isabella fixed Guy with a hard look.
'What for?'
'What for? Are you serious, Guy?'
Marian could see the anger bubbling beneath Isabella's cool veneer.
'You could start with apologising for hitting me the other day and nearly ruining my life by going crazy and killing the Sheriff, or perhaps you could apologise for never listening to me, for keeping me shut up in the house or the castle like a forgotten pet, or perhaps,' Isabella was growing more angry, more shrill, 'you could apologise for selling me into marriage with a brute who made my life hell and destroyed everything! You have no idea what he did . . . so many times, I thought I would be dead, wished I would be dead and it's your fault! You sent me to him!'
'I found you a husband. I did my job, it is not my fault you failed to make the most of your chance.'
'He was a monster. You sold me to a monster!' Tears were gathering in Isabella's eyes. Guy was still stony faced.
'If you behaved like this I'm not surprised he treated you harshly,' Guy was in no mood for her accusations after this afternoon's spectacle.
'I was a saint, he, he . . . you don't know what he did.' Isabella's voice was becoming choked and tears were starting to fall from her eyes. 'You wonder why I wasn't more frightened of you last week? You want to know why I will face you now? Because nothing you can do to me will be as bad as what he did, not your fists or your words. . . because when he got me alone . . .'
'I thought it was a good match, it was the best chance you had.' Guy closed his eyes, as if trying to block out Isabella's accusations and pain. 'It is done now, I did what I thought was best.' Guy turned to Marian, a defiant look on his face. Marian looked to Isabella, clutching the back of the chair she shielded herself behind, her body heaving with sobs.
'Guy,' Marian whispered so quietly she almost made no sound, 'remember what we said in the forest, this could be your last chance.'
Marian wondered why she was so bothered about whether he apologised to a woman she despised, but she remembered Isabella helping her escape and Guy's report of her doing the same for him. Besides in her heart she knew that much of her animosity was rooted in jealousy about what Isabella might have done with Robin.
Guy sat at the table again and put his head in his hands. He looked as if this was all too much.
'I'm sorry, alright?' he said, somewhat grudgingly, but sincerely nonetheless. Isabella looked up, she stopped sobbing, though her eyes were still wet. She looked shocked. Marian suspected she hadn't expected him to say sorry at all.
'Do you mean that?' she asked.
'Yes.' Guy looked at her grimly, as he stared at her his face softened, he got up and took her hand, squeezed it and let go. 'Dry your eyes,' he told her, not unkindly, 'and we can talk about what you're going to say to this stupid prince.'
Isabella took a few minutes to compose herself again. Marian busied herself fetching wine and food from the kitchens. She was relieved the servants had been dismissed in order for Isabella to host her secret lover. When she returned to the main hall she found Guy and Isabella sitting at the table in silence. Marian poured them some much needed wine and Guy spoke.
'I am not happy about what you are doing, Isabella,' he said, trying to keep the anger out of his voice, but not altogether succeeding. Isabella shrugged, boldly met his eyes.
'You should be glad I am. He likes me, Guy. Likes me a lot. I know you do not like it, but see what it does for us, for you.'
'I do not want to see you used and cast aside. He is a known philanderer, you are worth more than that, so is our name, the Gisborne name.'
'I know what I am doing, besides there are worse things than being the King's mistress.'
'He is not the King.'
'But he will be, Guy. All you have worked for, all you have done, it will bear fruit, John will be King. Richard will die in the Holy Land and if he ever does return to these shores he won't stay. John will have power and one day the crown. And I have John – exactly where I want him.'
Guy nodded. 'What will we do? How will this help me now?'
'I am seeing him at the castle tonight. I will speak to him again, he is not angry anymore, he just needs convincing that you did what he wanted all along, if he thinks it was his idea then you're in. In fact you'll be more in than before and I think he might even make you sheriff.'
'How do I know I can trust you? You hate me – no, don't deny it – I have seen the look in your eyes, you hate me for finding you a husband.'
'I hated you because you never said sorry. Now you have.'
'And so you forgive me, just like that?' Guy gave a grim laugh.
'I can start. You are still my brother. I helped you escape before, remember? I don't want an outlaw for a brother, what if Thornton returns? Trust me, Guy, I will look after both our interests.'
Guy looked more satisfied with this answer, it sounded more like the Isabella he knew. She would help him, perhaps out of some familial loyalty, but also out of self-interest.
'You really think you can convince him?' Guy asked, more keen now.
'He's like clay in my hands,' Isabella said, her smug look returning as she caught Marian's eye. 'Men are so easily swayed, aren't they, Marian?'
Marian ignored her, she was looking at Guy. She saw it again: the satisfied smirk, the glint in Guy's eyes, that ambition, pride, want, that determination and she didn't like it. It was the look he wore when the Sheriff explained a scheme, it was the look he wore when he acquired money, it was the look she had come to detest. She could see him slipping away, the man she loved was fading as Guy's lust for power was reawakened.
'Guy,' Marian began tentatively, she wanted her Guy back, she didn't dare let this idea take root, fearing what it would grow into. She prayed his love for her would win through. 'Guy, we've got the key, we should go now.'
Guy and Isabella turned to look at her, curious, regarding her with interest.
'Key? Where are you going?' She asked, struggling to keep her voice casual.
'Marian, I don't think that–'
'Guy, we agreed, we would do this and leave Nottingham.'
'But if Isabella can speak to Prince John, if I can be sheriff, we can stay here, we can keep our house, our position and money. We will have everything and perhaps more.' Guy was earnest, as earnest as he had been in the forest. His eyes were bright with hope, he could see how he could have it all: his home, power, position, his wife and her love. Marian was anything but hopeful. She could love Guy, she knew she could, but not here, not in Nottingham. Not if he was the Prince's lackey, again doing whatever it took. And not if Robin was there, just hidden in the trees, but always visible in her heart.
'Guy, we said we'd have a fresh start, go somewhere else.'
'And live where and on what? Marian,' Guy's voice was low, seductive, 'we can have everything, we can have a fresh start here.' He took her hand. 'Marian,' he said again softly.
'But what about our plan?' she was struggling to get the words out, 'we have arranged . . .'
'Arranged what?' Isabella asked, her eyes were sharp and on Marian, her mind whirring.
'Some stupid, little scheme,' Guy said dismissively, he let go of Marian's hands and turned to Isabella. 'So, when do you leave for the castle?'
'Late afternoon, Prince John is sending a carriage for me. Guy, I thought I might wear the pearl earrings you gave me, the ones like mother used to wear.'
Guy merely grunted in assent. He was looking at Marian again, her eyes pleading with him. 'Come on, Marian,' he said irritably, 'you don't seriously think it's a good idea to rob a castle with a bunch of outlaws when Isabella can restore my favour. Our favour.'
'You trust her?' Marian asked, steeling herself.
'Not entirely,' he said, ignoring Isabella's look of consternation. 'But I don't trust anyone entirely,' continued, pointedly. 'Isabella is my sister –'
'Blood is thicker than water,' Isabella cut in. Guy waved her down.
'– and it's certainly worth trying before risking both our necks and losing our home.' He looked around at the room, at her and Marian remembered how much this house meant to him. 'Besides if I become sheriff, we'll have a lot more than this. A castle, real power, real money. A future to be proud of, for us, our family. So we let Isabella speak to Prince John.' He was final. Guy folded his arms and considered the matter closed.
'Well, I don't trust her,' Marian said quickly.
'That is rich,' Isabella said, her temper rising. 'You have more faces than the devil. I know where you've been, in the forest, with Robin. Yet, you have the nerve to question me, after what you have done. I have been loyal to my brother. I am loyal to the Gisborne name, to our family's honour.' Isabella's voice was filled with a fierce pride, as if this was all true. She couldn't believe her nerve, she spoke and acted as if she had never so much as met Robin, never mind passed him information, flirted with him, kissed him. At the last thought the jealousy swelled in Marian's chest, that sick feeling, that anger at the thought of Robin with someone else. Marian gave Isabella a daggered glare.
'Enough,' Guy said, his voice slightly shaky, Marian suspected because of the reminder of her betrayal. 'Isabella is my sister, you are my wife. You will both do as I say.'
'Guy, you agreed, you said . . . I thought you had changed.' Marian pleaded. She could feel her Guy slipping away, she felt a desperation, anger even that he could change his mind, despite the rationale of his arguments.
'You have my love and my forgiveness, what else would you ask of me?'
'But . . .' Marian's voice trailed off, she couldn't ask anymore of him. She bowed her head in deferential assent, defeat seeping into every pore, making her suddenly bone wearingly tired. She had made the wrong choice, she had chosen a man who would always put power over her – and yet, he thought he was doing this for her, that somehow this would make her happy in the long run.
Marian sat unhappily at the large table toying with the stem of the silver goblet that held her wine. She took another sip, the wine was expensive, like most things in this house, her house. Guy and Isabella were now discussing Prince John's likes and dislikes, his whims and fancies, how to get into his good books. Marian listened, detached, despondent. It was all about power, position and wealth. Marian was increasingly appalled at Guy's easy dismissal of his initial disgust at Isabella's behaviour with Prince John. Is this how he was with Vaisey? Easily dismissing his morals when the promise of money and power were dangled before him. And as for her. . .
It never occurred to Marian that Isabella might have genuine affection for her brother, or that his apology, which she had done so much to encourage, might have been enough to start to reverse Isabella's low opinion of him. Marian sat brooding on her hatred for Isabella. She had ruined everything: telling Guy about her and Robin, flirting with Robin - trying to steal Robin – and now ruining her plans to leave Nottingham and help the King, not to mention Robin, one last time. Marian was half aware that her hatred of Isabella was somewhat irrational, motivated by jealousy and a desire to blame someone other than Guy, or even Robin, for the mess her life had become these past couple of years. But that awareness was not enough to temper her animosity and see beyond the mask Isabella wore to conceal the frightened, vulnerable woman she really was.
Marian was drifting in and out of the conversation and her own thoughts now. As she listened to Isabella move on to tell Guy about the servants and other domestic matters in the past few days, she thought how curious it was that all the time they had been living together she had not heard them speak once about their parents or childhood. It was a closed book. Their mother was occasionally referred to, with obvious reverence, particularly from Isabella. Their father was never mentioned at all. Guy had never spoken about his past, other than to bitterly inform her that Locksley was his birth right, lost to him when his father died. He'd offered no more details and Marian, never keen to press a matter that invoked her husband's bad moods, hadn't asked.
'So, what was this plan you had?' Isabella asked, the question startling Marian into paying attention.
'Nothing,' Guy replied, 'some damn fool idea to relieve John of his money before we went away.'
'Alone?'
'No, Marian decided to invite Hood and his gang along, we'd split the proceeds. I hate to say it, but the bastard always seems to get away with it, so it probably would have worked.'
'And he agreed to work with you?'
'I have insider knowledge,' Guy smirked. 'Don't look at me like that, I'm not telling you everything. I might still need this plan if your plan doesn't work.' He paused. 'Or if you betray me.' He gave Isabella a penetrating glare.
'Trust me. It will work and I would never betray my own kin. I am a much better bet than a lying, two-faced outlaw and his scruffy rabble.' Marian could hear the bitterness in Isabella's voice when she spoke of Robin. The knowledge that he loved Marian had hit her hard. Marian was certain Isabella's feelings for Robin had been quite strong. If she hadn't been so jealous at the thought of them together she might have felt sorry for her.
'I hope so, because I never want to lay eyes on Hood again unless he's hanging from a gallows.' Guy was bitter, angry. Marian had no doubt that should Isabella pull it off and Guy's position was restored, or better, he would make it his single aim to kill Robin. There would be none of the Sheriff's games of cat and mouse. Guy simply wanted him dead. All the more reason to persuade Guy to go through with her plan.
'Guy, what if Prince John doesn't agree to Isabella's suggestions and simply uses the opportunity to hunt you down, what if it's a trap?'
'For goodness sake! Firstly I'm better than that and secondly, he's not that bright,' Isabella said with exasperation. 'Believe me, I don't want my brother disgraced and outlawed. It would be very bad for my reputation and if that lousy husband of mine ever came back . . . and of course,' she now turned to look at Guy and said, with affection Marian was sure was false, 'you are my brother, my only family in the world.' Guy smiled at her last words, but all Marian heard was the self-interest. 'So, trust me, Guy.'
Guy nodded, put his hand over Isabella's. Marian wanted to scream, could he not see that this was not about him at all, Isabella just wanted her own reputation upheld and a protector should Thornton return. Marian had had enough. She banged her goblet down and rose, ignoring Guy's orders for her to sit back down.
'I'd sooner trust a snake,' Marian hissed, as she ran up the stairs.
Marian slammed the door of her bedchamber shut and walked to the window, desperate for some air, some escape from her wretched situation. She leaned on the window frame and took several deep breaths. Just as she felt the knot in her stomach lessen marginally she heard her name.
'Marian? What's going on?'
Marian opened her eyes and despite everything smiled, because in front of her, at her window once again, was Robin.
'Oh, Robin,' she murmured, suppressing the urge to throw her arms around him.
'Marian, what's going on? You've been in here hours and my men say they saw Prince John leaving on foot, half-dressed. I told them they'd been at the mushrooms again, but now I'm starting to wonder.'
He looked at her expectantly, waiting for answers. Sucked his breath when she just shook her head.
'Nice dress by the way.' This was not a compliment, the dress made her look like a female version of Guy and Robin's face wore a sarcastic smile that didn't suit him. 'Tell me, will you be getting leather swaddling for your babies too?'
'Shut up,' Marian snapped. 'Robin, you must listen. Isabella's here, she has been sleeping with Prince John. Anyway, she's telling Guy she can convince the Prince to pardon him and perhaps even make him sheriff. So Guy is refusing to go anywhere until he knows if Isabella can succeed. And much as I hate to say it, she probably will. I'm sorry, Robin, the plan's off.'
'Did you even get the key?' Robin asked, sighing.
'Yes, but we can't go now, Guy won't allow it.'
'I don't give a damn what Gisborne allows. Look, Marian, this plan, it's good.' Marian nodded, it was a good plan, not a stupid, little plan as Guy had said. 'Give me the key, we don't need Gisborne anymore, we know about the tunnel and you have the key, so give it to me and we'll do it anyway.'
'But we were going to go together and . . . Guy said to wait,' Marian finished pathetically because she wanted to do what Robin was asking, she wanted to give him the key, both because she was angry with Guy for changing his mind and because she loved the man now at her window. She looked at Robin closely, his face strained, those piecing, blue eyes that could see into her soul, pleading with her, his lips – so soft, so kissable – pressed together with worry. She met his eyes, it was so painful to look at him, the man she adored with every fibre of her being, but could never have again; to see the hurt she had caused written on the face of her darling Robin. At that moment she felt she would do anything for him, anything to erase some of that pain in his eyes.
Marian allowed Robin to trace his fingers over the back of her hand where it lay in the window sill. His touch sent thrills through her, as if it brought her to life. She could feel the key under her skirts, resting against her thigh. When Robin spoke again there was a quiet desperation in his voice.
'Marian, please, give me the key.'
To be continued . . .