Disclaimer: I do not own Robin Hood nor am I associated with BBC (if only). Only plot (post series 2) and OCs belong to me.
Chapter 43: Shopping
Marguerite's nose was runny when she woke the following morning. She knew she had a cold. What did you expect? she chastised herself.
She was emotionally taxed as she laid back against the pillows. Anne entered with more tea. "Good morning, Marguerite," she said soberly. "I think this will help with your cold."
"Thank you, Anne. For listening."
Anne nodded, surprised. "I didn't do it because I had to as your companion, Marguerite. I listened because I love you."
Marguerite nodded. "Just remember: everyone I love, and who loves me, seems to die."
"I'll take the risk," Anne said. "Do you feel well enough to get up?"
"I probably look as bad as I feel. I doubt I am presentable," Marguerite said as she reached for another kerchief. Anne had brought a large stack with her knowing Marguerite would need them.
"The solstice is fast approaching," Marguerite observed. Anne nodded. "You will be married then," Marguerite decided.
"What?" Anne sputtered.
"You don't wish to marry Luke anymore?" Marguerite wondered.
"No! I mean, I do," Anne clarified. "This is just… so sudden!"
"You were the one who wanted to be married this spring. Spring is nearly over," Marguerite pointed out. "I've already started making plans since you haven't."
"You have put a lot of thought into this," Anne noticed.
"The alternative things to think about were less pleasant," Marguerite drawled. "Now, first things first: you must have a dress. Do you have one already? Or should I send you to Nottingham?"
"I…"
"Nottingham, then," Marguerite nodded. "I can't go myself, I am extremely tempted to disguise myself to go shopping with you," Marguerite grinned impishly. "I can just hear the reactions of Guy, and Robin, and even John way off in London, though, so I will force myself to stay behind. So, you must take Gretchen along with you," Marguerite decided.
"But…"
"No buts, Anne. I want to see you wed, and if you keep putting it off because I do absurd things, like riding in the worst storm of the season, then you will never wed," Marguerite insisted. "I already had a maid send a message to Luke to fetch Tuck."
"I can't go looking for a dress today, not when you are still ill," Anne insisted.
"I'll be perfectly fine tomorrow."
Anne had to bite back a grin; if anyone could will themselves better, it would be Marguerite. "I don't even know if Gretchen would like to go," Anne added.
"Shopping? What women wouldn't? Try to convince Eleanor to go along, too. Neither of them seem to get too much fun," Marguerite insisted. "And have cook sent up so we can plan what dishes to serve. I want to know what is already being prepared for the solstice celebration and then we can add."
Marguerite spent the day in bed with Anne's company as they made plans for Anne's wedding. Once Marguerite had convinced her that she would be in perfect health for the wedding, Anne jumped in with full enthusiasm. Guy returned from Nottingham late that evening. He knocked on her door and found her sitting in the chair before the fire. "Guy," she said surprised. "How did the meeting with Vaysey go?"
"He seems to think I am not as incompetent as I use to be if I can persuade someone to join his side," Guy said. "May I join you?"
"I have something to speak with you about," she motioned to the other chair. "So things are falling into place, good."
"I told Anne to have Luke move to Locksley until they get married. You can have another person at your disposal."
Marguerite looked surprised. "That is what I wish to speak to you about. I convinced them to marry on the solstice; Anne and Luke both wish to continue working for me until this is over, though. There is an empty cottage on the south side of the manor house, will you allow them to live there?" Marguerite asked.
"Yes, of course," Guy said, surprised. "How did you convince them to marry now?"
Marguerite grinned. "There are few who can talk me into changing my mind."
"I don't doubt it," Guy grinned. They sat in a comfortable silence for a moment until Guy spoke up. "Did you get revenge for your brother that was killed after being ransomed?"
She was so startled her tea cup clanked on the saucer. "I should apologize for invading your privacy, but I'm not. I needed to understand, Marguerite."
"And do you?" she demanded.
"Better."
She set the cup down after she took a fortifying drink. "Yes, Michel and I exacted our vengeance on them. You do not move against our family and get away with it."
"And the people who killed Michel? Has anyone avenged his death for you?"
"Why does it matter to you, Guy?" She had steeled herself, but hearing someone speak his name, the first time in over 2 years, nearly shattered her. Michel…
"Because it matters to you. Tell me who did it and I will handle the rest…"
She shook her head, trying to keep from trembling. It was so surreal, as if talking about his death again made it even more real. "It is taken care of. All except for a ghost, a grey ranger. Like I said, you don't move against my family lightly. Everything I am doing for Richard's throne? Mere child's play compared to what I would do against the people who took Michel away from me," she said dangerously.
He didn't doubt her. "Why would you make such an offer?" Marguerite asked puzzled.
"I never chose Marion over you, Marguerite. I didn't even realize you thought so."
"What else am I to think when you say her name after I kiss you?"
"I didn't realize I had. I was thinking of the one time Marion threw herself at me…"
"I thought as much," Marguerite drawled.
"Listen to me, please. I was realizing that there was no comparison, Marguerite. You are not the only one being haunted, Marguerite. I killed the woman I thought I loved. I have been plagued by demons until one day this beacon of light shines through. You chased away my demons, Marguerite. You made me realize what I wanted from Marion wasn't love. No, I wanted love, but I couldn't get it from her," he tried to explain.
"I'm not an angel, Guy," Marguerite said in disbelief, feeling guilty over keeping the truth about Marion hidden.
"You are mine."
"My halo is tarnished."
"You are still more than I deserve," Guy insisted. "I'll prove it to you, Marguerite."
She stood and walked over to the window. "It isn't all your fault, Guy. It was simply the last straw. After Michel died, I was dead inside. I started to feel things again with you. Hearing Marion's name just snapped something inside. I wasn't in a good place to begin with. I mean, that's why Richard sent me to marry Robin in the first place and John didn't push things the way he wanted to. Both hoped that leaving and marrying Robin would somehow be therapeutic. I just haven't cared about anything in such a long time."
Guy walked over to join her. "You aren't alone, Marguerite. Even if you won't have me, you have Anne. And probably Hood," he practically snarled the last bit making her grin.
He saw how the conversation about her twin had unnerved her. He knew it wasn't the cold that was causing her to tremble in front of the window. He pulled her close against him, comforting them both. "I understand what it is to wish to die," Guy whispered. Marguerite nodded against his chest, wanting to curl up somewhere and hide from the world.
She heard him say her name. She turned to look up at him when he surprised her and pulled her close to kiss her. They finally pulled apart when they needed to breathe. "I don't deserve you. I'm sure your father, and certainly the king, won't approve. I am only a landless title…"
She touched a finger to his lips to make him stop. "I have enough land for four nobles, at least."
"I did try to kill your cousin."
"You were misguided," she shrugged and waved it off.
"I don't think Richard is going to be so lenient," Guy tried to explain but couldn't help but grin.
"I can save you in ways Marion never could, Guy. Besides, if Richard won't accept you, Philip will adore you for your attempts on Richard's life."
"Still…"
"You are bound to be pessimistic," she sighed.
He brought her hand to his lips. "All I can offer is my help to save Richard's throne."
"That's all you can offer?" she teased.
"Well, maybe not all," he grinned.
xxDDxxDDxxDDxxDD xxDDxxDDxxDDxxDD
Luke surprised them when he arrived saying Anne wanted to talk with Gretchen and Eleanor in the morning. Robin and John went off to spy on Vaysey who seemed to be digging some sort of tunnel while the others were stealing money to purchase more supplies.
Curious, Eleanor and Gretchen arrived in Locksley. "Ah, babies," Marguerite said happily seeing Tom and Ygrainne. "Tante Marguerite is going to spoil you today," Marguerite promised as she took Tom and Ygrainne and the three of them scampered off to the kitchen.
"I'm so excited!" Anne practically danced as she grabbed each of their hands and led Eleanor and Gretchen out of the manor house. When they had crossed into the sunshine she did give a twirl. "I thought it wouldn't happen, then I was afraid everything would fall apart before it could. But it's happening!"
"We're happy for you?" Eleanor offered, confused.
"What's happening?" Gretchen wondered.
"Luke and I! Marguerite is throwing our wedding during the solstice," Anne said happily as she led them towards Locksley. "Oh, before I forget," Anne added as she took the shawl she had brought and draped it over Eleanor's head and shoulders.
"Anne, I am always intrigued with anything Marguerite has planned, but I am confused at the moment," Eleanor confessed.
"We are going to buy my wedding dress," Anne twirled again. Eleanor and Gretchen shared surprised but smiling faces. "And she suggested I bring friends with me. You don't mind, do you? I know it's dangerous for you Eleanor, I completely understand…"
"I've never helped pick out a wedding dress before!" Gretchen said happily. "None of the girls could marry back in the castle, it's forbidden," she explained to Anne who looked confused. "I think I may be nearly as excited as you are," she confessed to Anne who laughed.
They arrived quickly in Nottingham and began to browse through the stalls. "Marguerite insisted I use this," Anne whispered as she showed them the pouch of money Marguerite had given her. "Its more than what she has already paid me, I really shouldn't…"
"Where you able to convince Marguerite to take it back? Obviously not since you still have it, and she will be disappointed if you don't use it," Eleanor insisted.
"We won't use all of it. Elle can barter like no one I've seen," Gretchen grinned.
They perused the stalls, finding nothing they felt worthy of Anne or Marguerite's money. "You're raven hair and clear complexion should make this easy," Gretchen said. "Everything looks good on you."
"I want something extraordinary. For Luke. I think this would look lovely on him," Anne said as they found some new cloth.
"Bloody hell," a voice behind them startled them. "Nora? Greta?" Allan's voice hissed behind them.
"Last time I checked," Eleanor teased.
Allan couldn't help but smile at her response. "What the bloody hell are the three of you doing here?"
"Shopping," Gretchen rolled her eyes.
"We can see that," Allan whispered. Eleanor looked out of the corner of her eye to see Much and Djaq were also in the square today.
"If you are hoping to get the pay that goes to the guards, you should use the east entrance," Eleanor whispered. "and during lunchtime."
"Still telling me how to do my job?" Allan teased.
"Someone has too," Eleanor grinned. "Now go do it, we're going to shop."
"And if someone decides to stone you?"
She frowned at him. "Don't ruin my fun, Allan. I'll let out a really loud scream and fight them off until you get here, happy?" she turned her back on him as she went back to the fabrics.
The outlaws silently melted back into the crowd and went on about their business. Eleanor caught Anne smiling. "What?"
"You remind me a lot of Marguerite and Guy," was all the young woman said.
"This one," Gretchen said as she pointed to a rich red fabric. Eleanor haggled with the merchant to get a bargain that would have made Griswald proud. They then carried on to look at the baubles that the other merchants were selling and Gretchen insisted on Anne buying a small pair. "It can be something you pass on to your daughter," Gretchen insisted.
Anne caved in easily and made the purchase. They spent another hour just browsing the stalls, and heard the commotion of guards when they discovered their treasury was empty. Guards crashed past them as they chased after an enemy that had left long ago.
"We should get back so you can work on your dress and Luke's suit," Gretchen decided.
They returned to Locksley to see Marguerite playing with Ygrainne, her friend Jess, and Tom taking a nap. "I already have a dressmaker ready to measure you," Marguerite announced and pointed to the small room off the front parlor.
"Tell me you convinced her to spend money on herself," Marguerite whispered to Eleanor and Gretchen when Anne disappeared.
"Easier than I thought it would be," Gretchen admitted. "She is so excited."
"If either of you wed, I would love to be there for you," Marguerite smiled.
The next few days went by in a flurry of excitement as the outlaws continued to plunder from Vaysey's store houses, and as Anne's wedding (and the Solstice) approached.
"Did Locksley have a celebration last year?" Eleanor asked Gretchen as they made their way to Locksley for the celebration. She had been in the convent at the time, on the verge of giving birth.
"A small one, nothing like this. Everyone was gone, even Guy and Vaysey. We had a little one, no one had much," Gretchen sighed. Ygrainne was running around her excitedly at the thought of a party. She didn't remember the one last year, but she had heard everyone talk about it for several days and couldn't wait for this one.
"Aunt Eleanor, will there be the big fire?" Ygrainne asked.
"I'm sure there will be a bon fire," Eleanor grinned.
"And singing? And food, Uncle John?" Ygrainne implored excitedly.
John laughed as he scooped up the girl who squealed in delight. "More than you have ever seen," John promised.
"And Jess and I can play games! I wish Tom was big enough to play," Ygrainne sighed.
Ygrainne had them all laughing when they arrived in Locksley. Tables had been brought out and platters of food were laid out, usually the kind of fair reserved for when Vaysey was in the village. Marguerite was directing all the servants. "Tuck!" Marguerite said happily waving to the outlaws.
"Not even a hello, Marguerite?" Robin teased.
"The party can survive just fine without you, mon archer. Tuck, however, is a necessity."
Robin laughed but turned sober quickly as he finished scanning the village. "Guy is still gone?"
"Till this evening," Marguerite promised. It was how they convinced Robin to let Marion come—not that any force would have been able to keep her at bay. She was as determined as Ygrainne to go to the party. "He is going to miss the wedding, and the beginning of the festival. It is necessary to keep Vaysey from thinking this is anything more than a small country party."
"You want him to be here," Marion guessed as the outlaws went to help the others.
"I think he needs to have more fun," Marguerite admitted. "And I enjoy his company."
Marion grinned but was interrupted when they had to go help Anne get dressed. Soon everything was ready. "Who is giving me away? Will you?" Anne asked Marguerite. It made sense since she was one of Marguerite's servants.
"I would love to, but I have a better idea," Marguerite grinned and opened the door. A moment later, Anne's father was shown in. Marguerite had sent for him back in Scarborough. She found him an adorable man, much like his daughter.
Anne hugged him tightly, surprised and happy he was there on her special day. Marguerite gave them a few minutes to catch up while she checked on Luke who was eager and antsy and fearful Anne had changed her mind. Marguerite laughed—he reminded her of her brothers on their wedding days.
Soon Anne was walking out of the manor house escorted by her father as they made their way to the arch with Tuck and Luke.
Eleanor and Gretchen had linked arms as they watched. The entire village had turned out, not just to party, but also because Marguerite had become such a central figure to their village in such a short time.
"Gretchen… does everyone get married?" Ygrainne asked as everyone went to dish up food.
"Most everyone," Gretchen nodded. "You will one day when you are older."
Ygrainne looked thoughtful but didn't say anything as she pointed to the carrots. "My mum and dad were married?" she asked and Gretchen nodded as she dished up the carrots for her. "And Marion and Robin are married. Will and Djaq are married, too," Ygrainne said thoughtfully.
"Yes, and one day Marguerite and Guy, will be, too."
Ygrainne popped in a slice of the carrot and chewed as they took seats. "Gretchen? Why don't you get married?"
Several of the outlaws choked on their food with her innocent question. "Eat your food before it goes cold, Ygrainne," Gretchen sighed. "Then you can play some more with Jess."
"Yes'm."
Robin nudged the girl. "You know how picky Gretchen is when she is making dinner? Sorting through the vegetables?"
Ygrainne nodded, curious. "She tosses out the bad ones."
Robin grinned. "A woman is just as picky when it comes to getting married," Robin explained to the girl. "It took a lot to convince Marion to marry me."
"She thought you were a rotten one?" Ygrainne asked and the outlaws burst into laughter.
"He was a rotten one," Marion told the girl.
Ygrainne looked up at Gretchen. "Have you found a man that wasn't rotten?" Ygrainne asked. Gretchen gave Ygrainne a look that Ygrainne interpreted, correctly, as she stuffed more vegetables in her mouth.
Food and games dominated the afternoon and early evening. When the sun began to set the bonfire was lit to give off light on the shortest night of the year. Marion and Robin left when it was announced that Guy was on his way back.
"I'm not being funny, but I remember the last time I went to one of these festivals," Allan whispered in Eleanor's ear.
"A long time ago."
Before Eleanor knew what Allan was planning, he had lifted her to her feet. "Allan!" Eleanor laughed as he practically carried her to where others were dancing.
"Uncle Allan is funny," Ygrainne giggled. She quickly went off to play with her friends as the other outlaws watched on.
Marguerite watched the villagers enjoy themselves. She knew life hadn't been easy for them for years—and compared to her lifestyle it was never easy for the people of Locksley— but they were all enjoying themselves now and it made her smile. Anne and Luke were cocooned in their own world, Tuck had spent the meal with Marguerite but was now dancing with Jess' mother.
Marguerite watched Allan and Eleanor and couldn't help but smile. Now if only she knew how to nudge Much and Gretchen in the right direction.
And poor Little John, Marguerite thought as she watched the lonely man. She knew he suffered from the same affliction she did; she just didn't know how to help either of them.
Arms wrapped around her waist. "It looks like the party is in full swing," Guy's voice whispered.
Marguerite grinned. "You doubt my ability to throw a party?" she teased.
Guy's laughter reached deep inside her. "They look like they did when they both lived in the castle," Guy nodded towards Allan and Eleanor. "I don't see Robin," Guy observed.
"Parties aren't his thing, not when Marion isn't here," was all Marguerite said. Guy nodded somberly. Marguerite wondered what would change when he found out about Marion; secrets like this always had a way of getting loose, and Marguerite was afraid of how Marion's being alive would change the dynamics between Marguerite and Guy.
"After a long day with Vaysey, I can't think of a better way of spending the evening," Guy said, offering his hand.
Marguerite smiled as he led her to where the others were dancing. Marion leaned her head against Robin's shoulder as they watched from the forest. "He is happier right there, with Marguerite, than he ever was with me," Marion whispered to Robin.
"He almost looks like a normal man."
Marion elbowed Robin who grinned down at her. "I would not have pegged Guy as the type for Marguerite, but he makes her happy."
"You were so cute with Ygrainne today," Marion teased him as they clasped hands and headed to the camp. They hardly ever had time to themselves, just the two of them. The others were looking forward to the party, to some time to spend carefree and having fun. Marion loved the party but was equally happy to finally have some time to just her and Robin.
"I felt awful for Gretchen," Robin admitted. "But the question was a good one; so how do we help them?"
"You, Robin Hood, want to meddle in someone else's life?" Marion teased. She leant up to capture his lips in a kiss, her hand tangling in his hair.
"Not tonight, definitely not tonight," Robin grinned.
I am so sorry about the delay! The end of the semester and holidays have made the last few weeks so hectic! I hope everyone has a fantastic 2010! Only the best for my awesome readers and reviewers!