Marian loved everything about the stables at Knighton Hall, right down to the smells and the nine-year-old hired stable boy.
"You're free to go, Daniel," she said with a smile, pressing a coin into the chipmunk-cheeked boy's small, dirty palm. "I'd like to groom my new horse myself."
"Thank you, milady." Daniel was only to happy to dash away, to find his friends and play "Robin Hood" in the forest.
Happily content, Marian watched him go, then turned her full attention upon the magnificent stallion she'd recently received from Guy of Gisbourne.
"I don't know what to call you yet," she murmured to her horse, as she brushed his glossy dark coat. "But don't worry. I'll think of something spectacular, to suit you."
The horse was undeniably the most beautiful animal she'd ever owned. In fact, he was the most wonderful gift she'd ever received. He was exactly what she needed, to cheer her up, and stop her thoughts from obsessing over Robin.
She'd seen Robin only once, since that magical night when her father had interrupted their almost-kiss. She'd been in the marketplace in Nottingham, feeling distressed and bewildered because he had yet to pay her another visit on her property, when she spied him with Much, hiding beneath their cloaks, lurking nearby. Her heart had leapt for joy at the sight of him, and she'd been hoping for a followup kiss and words of endearment, but she hoped in vain. While Much kept watch, Robin was all business, reminding her of her promise to clear Kate's name. And once she'd agreed, he disappeared into the woodwork, as if she meant no more to him than the tradesmen selling their wares. Her heart sank.
How had she been so foolish, as to believe everything was right again between them?
Days dragged by, and he didn't come. He didn't care, after all.
It was all a game to him, a romantic game he was all too good at, and when he grew tired of playing it, he only came to see her when he needed her help. "You're not the man I thought you were, if you enjoy trifling with my heart," she whispered, thinking of him. "I won't let you, ever again. I'm not one of those giggling, foolish girls who think you hang the moon, Robin of Locksley, just because..."
She broke off, counting off in her mind all his obvious attractions, both hating and loving him for them.
"You do have feelings for me, I know you do, Robin," she murmured softly, as she brushed her horse. "Just not very deep ones."
Gisbourne was another story. With all his faults, she believed that his feelings for her were genuine.
Guy had appeared utterly miserable, stricken even, when she'd turned cold after Lambert's death. If he hadn't been so cruel, refusing to rescue his half-brother, Marian might have felt sorry for him. She only hoped he was sorry, regretting what he'd done.
Guy had been almost gentle when he'd presented her with the horse. She hadn't liked being blindfolded, but Guy had seemed almost timid, so anxious to please her. "Humor me," he'd said. "Put him through his paces."
And she had only been too happy to oblige, unable to resist such a magnificent horse. And when she returned home upon his back, she found Guy waiting for her.
"You'll keep him?" he'd asked, and she'd answered with a quick kiss on his cheek, and a blushing "Thank you."
He wasn't Robin, but Robin wasn't hers to love anymore. Like it or not, and she didn't like it, Gisbourne was hers, and she decided she had better make the best of it.
Marian felt sure there was hope for Guy, if he would only break away from the sheriff's evil influence. If she could get him to stand up against Sheriff Vaisey, everyone in the shire would benefit.
A familiar, beloved voice, the voice that whispered lovely things to her in her dreams, broke the stables' silence, startling her.
"Don't tell me the Nightwatchman's been dipping into the profits," Robin challenged, stepping into the open.