Martin of Aylesbury was delighted. Another splendid party at Nottingham Castle! And no outlaw ambush on his journey this time! Martin was looking forward to a perfect evening.
His lady wife was still unwell. It really was a shame! All Martin had ever wanted was to escort her to parties, and have everyone envy them their love. But she was thick from her expected child, and it was such a bore. Well, at least he could display his finery and enjoy himself tonight!
He scanned the chamber for a glimpse of the famous 'Melusine,' but couldn't spot her. But there at least was the Lady Marian, standing beside her father, looking bored and beautiful. It would be a pity to waste such splendid dance music! Martin decided he would honor the lady, for old time's sake. Upon approaching her, he gracefully bowed.
"Milady, it would be my honor to lead you in the dance. Pray say, 'yes,' lest you wound me with your 'nays,' and I die from grief."
Marian continued looking bored. Nonetheless, Martin was an excellent dancer, and it would be a shame not to dance at all tonight.
"Marian, it wouldn't do for the young man to die," Sir Edward jested.
"Well, if your lady wife has no objections, then I happily accept," Marian smiled. Excusing herself from her father, she allowed Martin to lead her.
She was pleased she had accepted. It was much more fun to be moving than standing still, even if it was with such a fool as Martin. Nonetheless, she was dissatisfied, for nothing could compare to the thrilling excitement of the previous evening's masked ball, and her unexpected partner.
Part of her wished he would boldly make another appearance. She kept looking for him to appear, and felt cheated when he did not. But mostly, she was glad he had the good sense to stay away and remain safe.
Earlier in the day, the sheriff had questioned her fiercely about dancing with Robin Hood.
"How could you not have known it was Hood, Missy, hmm? Why didn't you raise the alarm? Don't you know the penalty for consorting with outlaws is death?"
And she had stumbled through her excuses...he had been wearing a mask...he had disguised his voice so she thought he was Aylesbury...they had the same colored hair and were of a similar height, after all. She hadn't an inkling who he was, she had lied, until he had uttered rude things and she had objected, and they had begun to argue... For whatever reason, the sheriff had accepted her lies.
But now, masks were not allowed, and Marian really was dancing with Aylesbury. She forced herself to listen to his dribble.
"Ahh, milady, if only things could have been different!"
If only, indeed. She agreed with his statement wholeheartedly.
"If only we had wed, as planned!"
"Now, Martin," Marian sighed, bored, "you cannot mean that. You do your wife an injustice, for the sake of trying to be gallant."
"Trying? I do not try. I am gallant."
"Of course. Still, I cannot allow your empty compliments, when you love and are pledged to another."
"What harm does it do? She is not here to listen."
"It insults her. And myself, as well."
"Insults? Insults you? I confess, I do not see it. I compliment you, milady."
Marian sighed. Why waste her breath arguing with a fool? It was better just to dance.
She knew Martin wouldn't stop, unless she changed the subject first. She proceeded to to do.
"Martin, I am surprised you asked me to dance. Don't you fear Sir Guy of Gisbourne's jealousy?"
For a brief instance, Martin looked around him, shaking like a leaf. Calming at last, he answered, "Gisbourne has yet to make his appearance tonight."
"But he may enter at any time." Marian had to admit, it was funny to watch Martin tremble.
"Well, I'm counting on the beautiful Melusine to keep him at bay. You will notice, milady, she has yet to be in attendance, as well. Tongues are wagging about those two, don't you know."
"What are they saying?"
"Oh! I thought you were above gossip! Didn't you nag me about gossiping in the past? It was one of the qualities I found so disagreeable about you."
Marian raised her eyebrows. "I thought you said you were gallant."
Martin chose to ignore her obvious jibe. He much preferred to discuss the latest gossip. "People are saying Gisbourne and Melusine are lovers. People are saying they cannot get enough of each other...that they do it when her husband is occupied in his meetings with the sheriff. People are saying Gisbourne knows the truth about her fish tail."
"That ridiculous myth!" Marian scoffed.
"Oh, do I detect a note of jealousy on your part?"
Marian's surprise made her consider the question. Of course she wasn't jealous! In fact, she felt free and happy that Gisbourne wasn't here...watching her, looming over her, stifling her so she couldn't relax and enjoy herself. All the same, she didn't wish to lose the power she had over Guy. If she lost that, how could she feed Robin information?
She would just have to compete with Melusine for Gisbourne's attentions. Difficult, of course, since Melusine was providing him with something Marian refused to do. Yet, she held an ace Melusine didn't.
Gisbourne wanted a noblewoman for a wife. And although Marian did not wish to encourage him along those lines, she saw no other course. She had never faced such a rival for a man's affections in her life.
She would have to walk a very thin line, encouraging Gisbourne just enough, without truly encouraging him. It would prove a challenge. Well, at least she was no longer bored tonight.
She had no earthly idea Robin was just outside the chamber, securing another disguise to admit him to the party. He was determined to learn Guy de Lusignan's plans, and to secure another kiss from Marian before the night was over.