Tender hearted Much was the first one to notice Lady Cecily weeping. Approaching her cautiously, he hesitantly asked, "Excuse me, Your Ladyship, but is something wrong?"
"Everything's wrong," Cecily sniffed. Then, in a more commanding tone, she ordered, "Tell Lord Locksley of my distress."
"Yes, Your Ladyship."
Much inclined his head, then stepped backwards so as to not turn his back on the lady, and went to fetch Robin. Unfortunately, his feet got tangled on a treeroot, and he stumbled and fell on his backside.
Allan led the other outlaws in their laughter.
"Very funny," Much huffed, standing and brushing himself off.
Robin was engrossed in advising Maggie what to say to mislead Gisbourne. "Remember, the most important thing is to protect Marian. And yourself. You've never met me, do you understand?"
"I've met you. I might not like you...well, not much anyway, but I've met you."
"No, Maggie. This is very important. You can't let Gisbourne believe we've ever met."
Much cleared his throat as a means to interrupt the lesson.
"Not now, Much," Robin snapped, then recanted. "I'm sorry," he said to his friend. "What is it?"
"Um, Master, um..."
Robin was unused to Much being at a loss for words. Worried about Maggie's upcoming performance and therefore, Marian being thrust into danger, he lost patience. "Well?" he asked his servant, his voice sounding harsher than he meant it to sound.
Much gulped. "Lady Cecily's, um...She's crying," Much explained.
Robin fumed. He didn't have time for this. "Can you help her?" he asked.
"She's asking for you. Well, not asking. More like demanding! She insists on speaking with you."
Robin sighed impatiently. Cecily would have to wait. Marian's safety depended on Maggie understanding what to say and do.
"Tell her I'm busy," Robin ordered. "In the meantime, see what you can do to cheer her up."
"Me?" Much cried. "Why me?"
"Please, Much, just do what I say."
Now it was Much's turn to sigh with frustration. "Fine! But don't blame me if she comes crying to you. After all, I'm not good enough to wipe her...nose. Not that her nose ever runs, mind you! Oh, no! Her little nose, tilted high in the air, is far too lofty for that!"
"Much," Robin said.
"Yes, Master?"
"Shut up."
With another exasperated huff, Much turned, then squared his shoulders to try his best to comfort Her High and Mightiness. Robin turned his attention back to Maggie, who was busy braiding and unbraiding her henna dyed hair.
"Brittle," she complained.
"Pardon?" Robin asked politely.
"What'd you say to me?" Maggie wanted to know, in a hostile and suspicious tone.
Robin chose his words carefully. "I simply asked you what you'd just said. I didn't understand."
"That makes us a pair. But don't you get any ideas! I still wouldn't have you, Your Lordship! Not that you'd know what to do with me, if I ever felt sorry enough for you and gave you a chance." Maggie giggled. "Seems to me you'd have lots less trouble with your lady friend, if you only knew how to please her."
Robin drew a steadying breath, wondering if perhaps Djaq wouldn't be a better choice to pose as the woman Marian had "interviewed." But, no. Djaq's heritage would give her away. Besides, for Djaq's own safety, it was imperative that Gisbourne believe she was a man. The only thing to do was try again to get through to Maggie.
"Now, listen," he said, far more patiently than he felt. "You're to pretend you live in Pitt Street." He paused, then tested her. "Where do you live?"
"Right now, I live with Allan and you lot, in the forest."
"No! You live in Pitt Street. Do you understand?"
"What? You bought me a house? Does it have an upstairs? I always wanted to live in a house with an upstairs!"
"Allan," Robin called, "come and help me!"
Instead of Allan, Lady Cecily appeared before Robin. Tears still wet her cheeks, but she was angry now that Robin had chosen to spend his time talking with the whore, rather than to her. She was too well bred, however, to lash out at him with her tongue. "I thank you," she began, "for sending your servant to attend to my needs."
"Are you alright?" Robin asked, hiding his annoyance and frustration.
"Oh, Robin!" Cecily cried, throwing herself into his arms, "I've had a dreadful day! I've missed you so much!"
"There you are, Locksley," Maggie chortled. "Why don't you practice on her? She looks willing! So you can be really good and not disappoint your Marian."
"Watch how you speak of Lady Marian," Robin warned.
Cecily pulled away. "And what of me?" she asked coldly. "Does it mean nothing to you, that this creature defiles my good name?"
"Sess," Robin sighed, "I'm sorry. Of course, I can't allow her to speak of you so freely."
"Call me Lady Cecily," Cecily sneered, then turned and marched away.