Disclaimer: I do not own Robin Hood. Plot and OC's belong to me.
I haven't received any reviews in over a month! I know people are reading this and even voting in my poll. Please review! It keeps the author from despair.
a long chapter! The ending scene came to me suddenly, and I thought it was an interesting way to start hinting at Marguerite's past...
Chapter 35: Rescue
"Marguerite?" Anne asked, watching her stare at the fire, fingering her necklace. Anne had never gotten a good look at it but she knew there were several rings on the gold chain. Anne was now nervous because Marguerite had been out of sorts since her encounter with Guy that afternoon. She knew Marguerite well enough to know that her melancholic moods overpowered her. If Anne didn't know better, she would think that all of the vivaciousness Marguerite had around Guy, the sheriff, even Robin, was an act.
When Marguerite didn't hear her again, Anne looked to see what had fascinated Marguerite so much, but couldn't see anything but flames.
"We have been here nearly 2 months," Marguerite spoke up, nearly spooking Anne.
Anne nodded, happy to see Marguerite was at least speaking. When she fell into these dark moods it terrified Anne. "Are you bored of Nottingham?" Anne asked lightly.
Marguerite gave her a small smile. "Bored? No. One place is truly just as well as any other."
"What do you see?" Anne asked curiously.
"A story my brother once told me, how in the pagan times they burned the bodies to release the soul to join the ancestors," Marguerite shrugged.
"That's horrific!" Anne said scandalized.
"Dead is dead," Marguerite told her. "What happens to the body is inconsequential. The body can linger on long after the soul is gone," Marguerite said darkly, and that's when Anne knew that the vivacious Marguerite, the one everyone loved, really was an act, and it broke the young woman's heart.
A knock on the door prevented Anne from saying anything. She didn't know what she should say. "The sheriff wants to see your lady," the guard announced.
With a small sigh, Marguerite stood. "Let's see what the bald-headed maggot wants, now. Probably the keys to my earldom," she smirked.
Anne followed a step behind to study the lady. She saw how Marguerite had immediately gone into character: the playfulness, the banter, the smiles. If she hadn't been living with Marguerite for these pastseveral months she never would have guessed at the darker side of her nature.
"Anne," Marguerite stopped suddenly. She pulled the girl close and glared at the guards who backed up a step. She whispered, so softly Anne could barely hear her, "perhaps now would be a good time to try the passage in the sanctum. Scurry back to the map and try to find your way through that passage to the sheriff's inner sanctum," she said and louder announced, "I will be expecting tea when I return." Anne nodded, turned, and rushed back up to the room for the map.
Anne was glad that no one thought to put guards on her. It was easy to find the map and she held her breath as she scurried along the hall to find the entrance. It was tight, moldy, and filthy, but she was able to make it quickly to the other end. She found herself at the door that led to the inner sanctum as she heard voices filter in. Anne didn't want to open the door and expose herself, but her curiosity was starting to get the best of her. Surely there is a peep hole, servants are notoriously nosey, she thought to herself. Finally she found a sliver of light and was able to see into the room.
Marguerite glided in to find Guy and Vaysey were already there. "Ah, I see the blonde viper has finally graced us with her presence."
"Ah, such eloquence, lord sheriff," Marguerite sighed. "It's a wonder John didn't make you his jester. Now, what have we here?" she said peering at the map curiously.
"I thought you should have an understanding about what we discussed earlier about your father," Vaysey said.
Anne glared, remembering what Marguerite told her about the long, detailed plans Vaysey had for her father. Anne's blood boiled but Marguerite simply ogled the man as if he was insane. "Surely the details don't escape that pretty head of yours," Vaysey added.
"I have a head for details. I am simply puzzled by your logic," Marguerite said sounding completely confused. "I see you have all your forces strengthening your position on the southern coast—and yes, I can see you think you have my father surrounded," she added. "I still say only an imbecile, ma puce, would conquer rather than convert. C'est la vie," she sighed.
"So what do you see wrong?" Guy asked, earning a glare from Vaysey who obviously didn't appreciate the assumption she was right and Vaysey was wrong.
"First, you are basing your whole fortification on the assumption that Richard is going to return to England. Second, you are also basing your assumption that he will come in through the south. Thirdly…" she didn't get to the third point as crashes were heard outside as guards rushed around. One opened the door. "My lord, Hood and his gang have been spotted…"
"Inside the inner sanctum," Robin finished from behind the guard before knocking him out. "Redecorated? Really, Vaysey. Spend all the money to redecorate. What was wrong with your basic black?"
As Guy called for more guards, the rest of the gang emerged. Marguerite seemed to eye both sides and simply sighed, shaking her head.
"I think we'll just take what we came for," Robin said moving towards Marguerite.
"You didn't want her before, Hood. Why do you want her now?" Gisborne demanded.
"How could a man not want this?" Hood said gesturing towards Marguerite who was sending him a death glare. He knew he would have to talk fast once they were finished here.
"No one is doing anything to my hostage," Vaysey shouted. "Not until my use for her has finished."
"Not that I don't love being fought over," Marguerite drawled, "but don't I at least have a choice in whether I want to be rescued?"
That made everyone stop. Anne had to stifle back a laugh at everyone's dumbfounded expression. "Well, as interesting as this evening has turned out, I believe Anne has some tea waiting for me. I'll leave you with some food for thought, then, Sheriff," Marguerite said strolling past the dumb-founded gaggle of men.
She heard several yells behind her, calling after her, as guards swarmed towards the chamber and a fight ensued. She hoped Robin and his gang were able to escape—although, if they were captured then what the hell were they thinking of in the first place?
Anne was washing her face in the basin when Marguerite walked in. "I think I might keel over from laughter. Their faces, Marguerite!" she laughed and Marguerite couldn't hold the laughter in any longer.
Marguerite finally plopped down in one of the chairs. "I do have to give Robin credit for coming in when he did. I don't want to give the sheriff too much advice. I'm suppose to be saving Richard's throne, not selling it off."
"At least you still remember that," Robin said behind her.
Marguerite sighed. "And here I thought it would be a pleasant evening."
"What the hell is going on? I am trying to save you," Robin said. "But you are having plans with the sheriff, spending your evenings with Gisborne. Whose side are you on, Marguerite?"
"Do you play chess, Robin?"
"What does that have to do with anything?" Robin demanded. Before she could explain, Guy was opening her door, sword drawn. "I thought I heard voices," he said.
Before either could move, a dagger landed in the wood above each of their shoulders. "Enough," Marguerite shouted. "Out. I made my choice, Robin. You had your chance. Remember what you said? I won't marry you. Move on. Get out." Marguerite hated making herself sound like a jilted lover, especially in front of Guy, but he couldn't know about Marion.
Robin glared at her and then at Gisborne. "Guy, let him pass this once," Marguerite sighed.
"Give me one good reason why I should," Guy asked, not taking his eye off Robin.
"I'm asking you, please." She turned her back on them as she returned to sitting before the fire.
"Aren't you worried about the sheriff killing you when he thinks your usefulness is over?" Robin demanded.
Marguerite spared him a bland look. "He can't kill what's already dead, Robin. Go before I change my mind and ask Guy to kill you."
Glaring at each other as Robin slipped out of the room, Guy decided not to think about why he didn't try to kill Robin. He resheathed his sword and looked at Marguerite, whose back was to him. She really hadn't moved. Marion would have been all over him, begging and pleading for mercy on the pretense of giving Robin a fair trial, or not to let Robin's murder poison Guy's soul, or something other nonsense. Marguerite simply asked and trusted he would follow.
Why the hell did he follow?
Marguerite seemed to be in her own world, Anne watched her mistress afraid, and Guy seemed dumbstruck and at a loss at what to do. With a sigh, he closed the door and sat himself down in what had become his regular chair. "If he humiliated you, why did you want his life spared?"
"I simply don't want to see him die in front of me."
"Why did you choose to stay? To send secrets out to Robin?"
Marguerite looked over at the dark knight. "I would have had him rescue me, then. He certainly was able to get past your guards well enough."
"Then why stay?"
"I told you as long as I was having my fun here, I would stay. Why? Did you want me to leave? With Robin?" she asked in shock.
That made him jerk in surprise. "What? No!" he said quickly. "I just don't know why you would choose to stay."
"Why do you stay, Guy?"
"To get what I want," Guy finally said.
Marguerite smiled as Anne brought out tea. "Exactly."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"She wouldn't come?" Gretchen repeated as they told Marion, Gretchen, and Eleanor what happened.
"Stubborn, willful woman!" Robin said angrily.
"You seem to attract them like flowers do bees," Tuck observed. "Did she give any hints as to her reasons?"
Robin shook his head. "No, but in her room she said she was still working on saving Richard's throne, although I don't understand her methods. She asked if I play chess." He frowned in confusion.
Tuck seemed to puzzle over that. "It could mean that she has a strategy. Chess is a game of kings, and we are playing for a king."
"Then why not say she had a strategy?" Much asked.
"Well, if Robin found his way in, she probably figured someone else would, too, and overhear her conversation," Gretchen decided.
"I think there was a clue," Eleanor said. "I wish I could talk to her," Eleanor sighed as she finished bandaging Allan's arm after frowning at him for getting hurt. "But I'm not surprised she decided to stay."
Everyone—including Allan—ogled her. "What?" Eleanor asked confused, leaning into Allan unconsciously.
"Why would she stay?"
"Like Tuck said, I think she had a strategy when she arrived here in Nottingham, and whatever it includes means getting close to the sheriff. Maybe you should try a one on one conversation with her instead of an ambush," Eleanor suggested. "Or get to her companion. She would know what's going on."
She strapped Tom on using the cloth contraption that held him close to her body but allowed her hands free. Will had managed to make it for her and she was so grateful she nearly hugged him. She followed Gretchen outside wanting to talk something over with her friend. "If we can't get to Marguerite, we could get to the servant's gossip," Eleanor told her. They both knew that kernels of truth existed in the mountain of gossip, and that servants always knew more than the masters gave them credit for. After having worked in the castle for so long they also knew how to discern those kernels out of the mountain of gossip.
"You can't go," Gretchen pointed out. "If you would watch Ygrainne, I could go. I still have connections inside the castle." People who wouldn't think it odd for Gretchen to be asking for the latest gossip.
"I'll watch her," Eleanor promised.
Gretchen studied her friend. "You alright, Elle?"
"Just… sometimes I think I made a mistake. Being here, I mean," Eleanor said, surprising Gretchen.
"But, I thought you wanted to be with Allan?" Gretchen asked confused.
"I do. I stayed, didn't take Tuck up on his offer, because this is the only way I can have Allan…" Before Eleanor could explain more, though, Allan's voice called out behind them.
"What are you two conspiring?" Allan asked behind them, earning glares from both of the women. "I'm not being funny, but those looks always lead to trouble."
"Ah, Elle, Allan thinks he's figured us out," Gretchen teased Allan.
"Ey, I think I know at least one of you well enough," Allan smirked making Eleanor smack his shoulder.
"Do you really?" Eleanor countered heading back inside with Gretchen.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Anne, I think today we should convince Vaysey that we want to see the country. It is insufferable to be stuck in this one city," Marguerite sighed. "It has been 2 days since Robin's appearance, hopefully he has calmed down some."
"By 'we' you mean 'you,' right?" Anne clarified. "I doubt I could convince Vaysey the sun rose in the east."
Marguerite laughed. "You underestimate yourself, cheri. Have faith in yourself, especially if you wish others to, too. Now," Marguerite said as she poured herself a cup of wine, "I think…" she was cut off as a knock sounded on the door.
It was late afternoon, too early for Guy's visit. Anne opened the door to reveal a servant. "Anne, there is a carriage from Prince John arriving! I thought your mistress might want to know," the serving woman said happily, thinking the news would please Lady Marguerite and some reward would trickle her way.
Anne shut the door to tell Marguerite. Marguerite had taken her cup of wine and walked into her parlor to look over the map of the castle again. "Marguerite, Prince John's carriage has arrived in Nottingham," Anne said hopefully, praying a visit from her cousin would cheer her up.
All the blood drained from Marguerite's face as her glass of wine splattered on the stone floor. "Marguerite?!" Anne asked worriedly rushing up to her mistress.
"Is it John himself? Or one of his men?" Marguerite's voice trembled out.
"I… I don't know, I'll find out," Anne promised as she led Marguerite's pale, trembling form to a chair.
"It's fine," Marguerite whispered to herself. "It's not like before…"
**flashback**
Her nerves were completely shattered. Not even the mulled wine the servants tried to coax her with helped her nerves.
Marguerite looked out the window. It was just a few short hours until sunset. The evening meal was nearly prepared, she would hear back soon. Her messenger understood her orders very well: return with news in 2 days or his entire family would be turned out.
'He will laugh at you and your insecurities, Marguerite' Marguerite whispered to herself. 'But if he is laughing at you, it means he is alive and well, and the nightmare was just that: a nightmare.'
The horrible pain that had taken her so suddenly that she fell to her knees in agony.
'Let this all just be a dream,' Marguerite whispered again. She couldn't even contemplate the worst case scenario; it was incomprehensible for him to be dead.
She was going mad waiting on news, though.
Just as she was about to leave her room and go for another walk in an attempt to pacify her nerves, she heard the one noise she had begged and pleaded not to hear. Women and men screaming in shock, in pity, in desperation.
Marguerite's cloak fell limply to the floor. 'Just don't look outside; if you don't look it won't be real…' Marguerite tried to rationalize. 'Not real, not real…' It couldn't be…
Marguerite found herself facing outside even though she didn't remember turning around. The people of the manor house had fled out to meet the morbid parade now marching towards her father's estate. Leading the procession was John, and that's when she knew she couldn't fool herself.
Women were keening, their mournful wails echoing across the glen, as they wailed as the fallen lord was being escorted back to the estate. Dust was kicked up from the horses and the mourners both as women tore at their hair, the men removing their hats in their own attempts to both remain stoic and express their surprise & grief.
She couldn't bring herself to look at the corpse in the wagon. She looked everyone but at him. The world was spinning around her, she couldn't feel, couldn't sense anything. If she looked, it would be too real, too inescapable.
The drape fell back over the window as Marguerite simply remained frozen in place. John had been in the front of the procession. John, dear John, who always delivered bad news in person…
She wasn't thinking, wasn't processing. Her feet moved of their own accord, her mind wasn't thinking, it was lost inside herself. As dead as his corpse.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
John cursed his brother Richard and his cousin Philip. Of all that had fallen on his shoulders, this was the impossible. He couldn't begin to imagine how to tell her this news.
He knew he had to tell her and soon, she would surely have heard the commotion, but he found himself taking his time as he approached the hall that led to her suite. He would sooner go off to the Crusades with Richard than have to tell Marguerite this news, news certain to kill his favorite cousin.
He turned the corner and found her obviously making her way to the parlor downstairs. They simply stared at each other. Marguerite's face was expressionless, still; her frame straight as a board as she stared at her cousin.
John looked haggard. He was only 2 years older but felt like he was 2 decades older. He wished he could just turn away, have someone else do this. Their father, certainly, only Lord William was unable at the moment. Richard and Phillip always went to war but didn't deal with these painful, personal consequences.
Consequences he now had to deal with.
"Marguerite," John said softly. He had no idea what to expect from his favorite cousin.
"No," Marguerite's voice rasped out, ordered, pleaded.
He realized she already knew.
~*~*~*~*end flashback*~*~*~*~
Anne rushed back inside trying to find Marguerite. "Marguerite?" Anne called out softly.
She entered the bedroom to find Marguerite was sitting on the floor beside her bed, her knees drawn up to her chest.
"It's not John," Anne said softly.
"Even if it was, I should have expected him to come and check on me," Marguerite said, her voice sounding like her usual self. "I should have anticipated John somehow trying to evaluate what I am doing here. Let me guess, Lord Jasper?"
Anne nodded as she watched Marguerite stand and splash water on her face. "Guy was right behind me," Anne whispered. Marguerite looked around the corner to see Guy sitting in his chair. "He said he would escort you down to meet with Sir Jasper. I think the Sheriff wants to parade to him that you are perfectly fine…" Anne trailed off since 'fine' seemed to be the exact opposite of Marguerite's composure at the moment.
But with each passing moment Anne could see Marguerite's walls building until nothing remained of that heartbroken woman she walked in on. "I think I will change into my blue and gold gown, then," Marguerite decided. "It happens to be one of Jasper's favorite," Marguerite grinned. "Tell Guy I will be a few minutes," Marguerite told Anne as she rang for some servants and poured herself another glass of wine. Anne was amazed to see Marguerite's hands were steady.
"You changed for this man?" Guy asked when Marguerite emerged.
"Good afternoon to you too, cher," Marguerite sighed. "Really, Guy, we are going to have to work on your pleasantries."
"I am pleasant," Guy insisted, irritated. "I just didn't realize you already were acquainted with Sir Jasper," Guy practically spat out the man's name.
Marguerite grinned at him. "Ah, cher," Marguerite laughed. "I happen to know Sir Jasper very well. And I am very happy it is him and not John, so let us go and not keep dear Jasper waiting."
"Dear Jasper?" Guy repeated as Marguerite walked out. "How well do you know him?"
"I know his family was displaced with the Norman invasion—much like yours, right?" Marguerite said knowingly. "He has ambitions that are greater than his reach. He is loyal to those who are loyal to him," Marguerite added. She would wait and see if Vaysey tried to buy or bribe Jasper. She knew for a fact that Vaysey couldn't pay what Jasper wanted. Only the king—or in John's case, acting regent—could give Jasper the power he wanted.
Marguerite strode past the guards who opened the door to the inner sanctum for her. "I see you are obviously not going to let Robin get the best of you since you are back to using this room so soon," Marguerite greeted the sheriff. It had only been 2 days since Robin's attempt at rescuing Marguerite.
"What happened to pleasantries?" Guy whispered to her making Marguerite fight back a laugh.
"I believe that was your first joke, Guy. I'm most impressed," Marguerite whispered to him. "Sir Jasper, it has been some time since I last saw you. I thought you only came to Nottingham every on Thursday mornings?" It was currently Wednesday afternoon.
"Special circumstances required me to come today on Prince John's behalf," Jasper said, nodding slightly.
"Well, as you can see, Nottingham's hospitality is certainly fit for London socialites," Vaysey spoke up. "The evening meal should be prepared by now. Griswald!" Vaysey called out. The housekeeper opened the door for the army of servants who carried in platters of mulled wine, cheeses, and various meats.
"I see you don't suffer from a poor selection of food, Sheriff," Jasper dead panned as the fourth platter of meat was laid on the table.
Marguerite listened to Vaysey and Jasper talk as she filled her platter. She had no appetite after her panic attack, but forced herself to eat. "I have made every attempt not to come to Nottingham more than I have to. Especially with that Hood that seems to be constantly underfoot. How do you stand it here? John is worried with Hood that it puts your safety in jeopardy, my lady," Jasper spoke up.
Marguerite saw out of the corner of her eye Vaysey staring at her, so she chose her words and tone carefully. "Hood has proven to be entertaining. Otherwise this would have been a dreadfully boring excursion into the country, I'm afraid. But you can obviously see how well Vaysey runs his little shire, Jasper," Marguerite gestured to the table.
"Little?" Vaysey sputtered into his wine.
"Now, to be fair, it is the fifth most profitable shire in the kingdom," Jasper grinned. "Although I do feel it lacks a certain … atmosphere. You must really get to court again soon, Vaysey. John insists upon it."
With his head on a pike, I'm sure, Marguerite thought and grinned. "I will concede that for the fifth richest shire, it is not as bad as I feared."
"Fifth?" Vaysey asked. "Nottingham is third behind York and Canterbury."
"You are forgetting Kent, ma puce," Marguerite grinned. "Did you forget about my little earldom?" She was amused to see his vessel twitch for the briefest of moments in his forehead again.
"Then that would make us fourth," Vaysey insisted.
"I'm afraid that honor goes to Derbyshire," Jasper spoke up. "I just returned from Derbyshire just last week, quite an impressive estate."
"Ah, hah," Vaysey drawled, forcing a smile as dessert was brought out.
Marguerite was walking to her room when Jasper stopped her, pulling her into a room. The guards waited outside but left them alone.
"I am under orders to drag you out of here bodily if I have too. And after that display of Vaysey's during dinner I have half a mind to toss you into John's carriage and put Nottingham so far behind us, you will be half way to France by morning."
Marguerite glared at Jasper. "You really should not forget who you are and who I am," Marguerite cautioned. "You would be nothing if it wasn't for John. He may have sent you here to check on me, but it will take more than just you to get me out of here if I am unwilling."
"And are you unwilling? What could you possibly have to stay for? Between my meetings with Vaysey and your excursion here for the past several months you have more than enough to tell John. He is only concerned for your safety… my lady," Jasper added as an afterthought. "And if I feel you have to be taken from here, John will more than agree with me."
"My cousin may be overprotective, but you would be dead before we reached the door," Marguerite promised. "If John trusts you as much as you think he does, then you have had to have heard enough about me to know that is not a false promise."
Jasper glared at Marguerite, frustrated. "And what do I tell your cousin regarding why you are still here?" he demanded.
"You are creative. Invent a reason. I think I can bring Guy to our side," Marguerite said honestly.
Jasper sighed. "I have been here for years, and I tell you that is a lost cause. So long as Gisborne thinks he can achieve his goals with the sheriff, he will never switch sides."
"His loyalty can be bought, yours was," Marguerite said snidely as she watched Jasper's mouth twitch like a fish out of water for a moment. "What could you know? You are here in the mornings only long enough to get that stamp. I have been here every moment of every day for months. I tell you, Guy does not belong to someone like the sheriff. He has more honor and integrity than that."
"And yet, he is working for Vaysey and I am the one working for John," Jasper pointed out.
"I am not going to debate the man's character with you," Marguerite said. "You are to leave as soon as you get Vaysey's stamp and return to London. Tell John all is well, and he best trust my judgment," she spat out angrily. "See if you can do that simple task and I won't tell John about your insubordination," Marguerite ordered as she stalked out.
Guy was waiting with her guards, glaring at Jasper as he emerged after Marguerite. "Oh, honestly, get your minds out of the gutter, all of you," Marguerite snapped. The two guards immediately went back to looking at the wall; Guy continued to glare at Jasper, however.
"Jasper has just told me he is leaving by first light," Marguerite said, walking off towards her rooms.
Anne had tea and biscuits waiting for her. Marguerite had just relaxed in her chair when a knock was heard, announcing Guy. He strode in and just stared at her. "Why did the thought of John's arrival upset you?" Guy asked.
"What?" Marguerite asked surprised, wondering how much Guy had seen.
"I was just wondering, since you seemed upset at the thought of Prince John being here. Why?"
"John, dear, dear John," Marguerite sighed, leaning against the back of the chair. "I love John, would be deliriously happy for his company, I was just so shocked…John is always…" Marguerite studied Guy's face.
"You and John have an romantic understanding?" Guy demanded.
Anne stifled a laugh, making Guy frown. "I fail to see the humor in Marguerite using me …"
Marguerite cut him off. "Heavens no! There is nothing like that with John and I," Marguerite shuddered. "I was unattached the moment Robin refused to marry me," Marguerite promised and something, a tension in Guy's chest, loosened.
"Then why do you call John such a dear? The way you talk about him…"
Marguerite studied Guy carefully. "I can't say, Guy… I trust you more than I ever have, but you could very well use this against me even though I haven't ever done anything of the sort to you."
"If you trust me, how could you think something like that?" Guy asked.
"Because your loyalties are still owned by the sheriff; they aren't to me, as much as I would like them," Marguerite admitted boldly. She watched Guy's surprised reaction, hoping it was a pleasant surprise. "John is very dear to me, he is only 2 years older than I am."
"It is more than just age," Guy insisted.
Marguerite took a deep breath, and decided to go for it. She knew the worst case scenario if Vaysey learned of this. "John is my cousin," Marguerite suddenly burst out.
Guy stared at her as if some creature was sitting in her place. "But then… Richard is…"
Marguerite watched him struggle to accept this and she was worried this was a bad idea. "Yes, it means Richard is also my cousin," Marguerite agreed.
Guy stood up and Marguerite detected anger and resentment, confusion and something else. She prayed it wasn't hatred.
"Does Vaysey know this?" Guy demanded when he was half way to the door.
Marguerite shook her head. "I don't believe so, and I have no intention of telling him myself." She couldn't control what Guy would do with the knowledge.
Guy nodded and walked out of her room, leaving Marguerite to think over what she would awaken to the next morning.
We are so close to learning Marguerite's past! only 1 more chapter till the big revelation!