After sending the sobbing, nearly hysterical Annora Fitzhugh on her way, Robin returned to his house to seek out Marian.
He found her lying on top of their bed, not yet asleep, but fast approaching slumber.
"Sorry," she murmured drowsily, nestling against him when he lay down beside her. "I just didn't feel up to entertaining our 'guest.' "
"She's heading home," he gently explained, pressing his lips over her forehead.
Her hair felt like silk; her skin, even more so. Her eyelids fluttered with lashes thick and dark and feathery, like a raven's wing above her flawless cheek. Robin sighed, marvelling again how her beauty, inside and out, could so move him. The desire to protect her flowed strongly through him, warming his heart with unspoken yearnings.
"Where's Boo?" he softly asked.
"Playing, in her room. Nurse Mattie's with her."
"Get some rest," Robin told her, lightly laying one hand on her belly. Impulsively, he lowered his head and placed a kiss where his hand had rested. "You, too," he added, making Marian smile.
...
Supper was a joyous meal, with Will and Djaq and their twins, Daniel and Saffia, being far superior guests to the annoying Annora. Marian, refreshed from her nap, enjoyed learning the few Arabic words Djaq had taught her family, already known to Robin.
"Bismullah," she echoed, lifting her water goblet.
"Now, who could that be?" Robin wondered, when the sound of hoofbeats thundered up to their house.
Before Thornton could reach the door, it was forced open by the captain of the sheriff's castle guard.
"Good evening, McClellan," Robin said, rising, his easy, confident manner contrasting sharply with his body's tauntness. "What brings you to Locksley in such foul weather?"
"Foul deeds," the captain answered, hating his duty. "You, my lord, are under arrest."
"Arrest?" Marian cried, jumping up and grabbing onto Robin's arm. "What do you mean?"
All four former outlaws had to master their impulses to break into a fight. Reminding themselves they were no longer living under Vaisey's evil regime, they resisted the urge.
Wisely, Djaq led the three small children upstairs to the nursery.
"My lord Huntington has been charged with rape, milady," McClellan informed Marian.
"Rape?" she repeated, her tone incredulous. "Don't be ridiculous."
"I never..." Robin's voice trailed off, as he tried to comprehend the false accusation.
"Who made these charges?" Marian demanded to know, as angry as a tigress defending her young.
"It was Mistress Fitzhugh, the Chancellor's wife, milady."
Robin uttered a harsh, incredulous laugh, while Marian, going pale, boldly objected, "She's lying. My husband, as you well know, is an honorable man."
"All the same, my lady, it is my duty to take him to Nottingham, where he may clear his name at his trial."
"There is no need for a trial," Marian insisted, between clenched teeth. "My husband is innocent. She is a conniving, baseborn liar, who cast her eyes on my husband, and is no doubt angry because he rejected her. Tell him, Robin! Isn't that what happened?"
"Something like that, it would seem," Robin guessed. "She did make a play for me this afternoon, and I told her no. I never expected her to concoct this lie."
"There! You see," Marian told the captain. "There is no need to imprison my husband. He will go to the sheriff tomorrow, and explain everything."
"I'm sorry, milady, but my orders are to arrest him."
By this time, Djaq was heading back down the stairs, and was appalled to watch Robin's wrists being tied, just before he was led away.
Marian sank into a chair, then slammed her fist on the table. "No!" she cried.
"Marian," Djaq said, her voice low and soothing, "it will be alright."
"No, it won't! Not unless I break him out of prison!"
Will and Djaq's eyes met over Marian's hanging head, signalling their mutual intention of dissuading her.
"Why did Allan have to burn my Nightwatchman costume?" Marian cried.
"Gisbourne ordered him to," Will reminded her, as calmly as he was able. "Robin will be alright. Everyone will know the woman's lying."
"Marian," Djaq advised, "you can't go about, wearing a disguise, and risk your life, trying to free Robin. Justice will be served. The sheriff is fair."
Overwrought with worry, Marian shook her head.
She might no longer be able to disguise herself as the Nightwatchman, but there were other disguises, she reminded herself. Already, her mind was busy formulating a plan.