Madam Oberon was busy pinning the sleeves to the bodice for a new gown for Lady Gisborne when she paused to take a sip of the tea that her daughter Marie just brought for her. She looked up in her luxurious quarters across the room. In between two torches that ensconced the wall there, a gown was hanging. The gown was actually covered but she knew which one lay beneath the heavy cotton that draped over it to protect the garment from dust. She shook her head. It was a shame the wedding between the Sheriff and Mademoiselle Rhiannon had been cancelled. They seemed so right for each other, Madam Oberon mused. L'accord parfait! She sighed and took another sip of the soothing warm liquid. Why did the tea of nobility taste so much better than any of the varieties she could obtain before? She looked up when she heard a knock at her door. She set the cup on a table beside her, lay the garment down on the chair and went to it. When she opened it she was rather startled to see Mademoiselle Rhiannon standing before her accompanied by Lady Gisborne.
"Mademoiselle Rhiannon!" Madam Oberon exclaimed. "How nice to see you, mon cher!" She glanced down to Rhiannon's hands then brought her sparkling blue eyes back up to meet Rhiannon's. "I am pleased to see you are not carrying mon Seigneur Sheriff's breeches with you, for me to alter to fit you this time, mon cher." Madam Oberon commented dryly with a knowing look.
Lady Meridwyn quirked an eyebrow and shot a questioning glance at her friend. "You wanna tell me about that, honey? Is this some perverse thing that lights his torch or something?" Lady Meridwyn smirked.
Rhiannon sighed. "I disguised myself a couple of times to visit my brother in the dungeon." She explained. She grinned when a thought came to her. "But, come to think of it, the Sheriff saw me dressed in his clothes and uh…aye, I think he rather liked it!" She winked.
"Oh, honey you must tell me more about this. Like I said before, Rhiannon: you two are never boring." Lady Meridwyn grinned.
"Mes chers?" Madam Oberon spoke up trying to get their attention.
"Forgive me, Madam Oberon. I'm here about my gown." Lady Rhiannon said.
"Your wedding gown, Mademoiselle?" Madam Oberon asked, rather puzzled. Wasn't the wedding cancelled?
"Oui, Madam. May I see it?"
"Come in, s'il vous plait." Madam Oberon smiled as she stepped aside and beckoned for the ladies to enter. "You are marrying the Sheriff, mon cher?" Madam Oberon asked.
"Oui, Madam Oberon." Lady Rhiannon smiled.
"Bonnes nouvelles, Mademoiselle!" Madam Oberon exclaimed excitedly clapping her hands together. "And when shall it be?"
"We have to decide on a specific date but it shall be next month. Hopefully before Martinmas." Lady Rhiannon said. She stopped herself from putting a hand to her belly. Every time she thought of the child inside of her she wanted to touch her belly. She surprised herself all of the time lately – about how easy it was to suddenly think of herself as a mother. She sighed. "May I see it now, Madam? Is it ready?" She asked.
"Oui, Mademoiselle Rhiannon." Madam Oberon smiled. "Come." She said. She stood in front of the wall where the gown was hanging. She reached up and pulled it down from the hook, and deftly peeled the heavy cotton drape from it in one fluid motion. She held it up to show them.
Lady Meridwyn swallowed and held her breath a moment.
Lady Rhiannon gasped and put her hand to her bosom as her green eyes grew wide in awe. "Oh, Madam Oberon. It is… breathtaking." She breathed.
"It is a work of art." Lady Meridwyn exclaimed. She looked to Rhiannon. "He may be in danger of falling over when he sees you in that, you know." She warned.
Lady Rhiannon stood staring at it unable to take her eyes from it as she moved in slowly toward Madam Oberon. She reached out and touched the cool silk. She ran her fingertips over the beading and the lace. She shook her head. It looked more like a dream than something that could possibly be real?
"You are pleased, mon cher?" Madam Oberon asked.
"Oh, indeed!" Lady Rhiannon smiled.
"Would you like to try it on?" Madam Oberon asked.
"I may cry." Lady Gisborne remarked.
Lady Rhiannon rolled her eyes at her friend, then looked back toward her wardrobe mistress. "Yes, I would like to see how it fits, Madam." She said as she reached out to take it from her.
She was shown to a separate room in the wardrobe mistress' quarters. Moments later she returned to them. Lady Rhiannon stood before a full length mirror gazing at her reflection from every angle as she turned her body left and right. Madam Oberon and Lady Gisborne flanked either side of her.
"Vous avez une vision, Mademoiselle!" Madam Oberon smiled. "And I am pleased with the fit. Il est parfait!"
"Pardon, Madam?" Rhiannon asked.
"Excuse – moi, mon cher. The fit. It is perfect!"
"Indeed it is!" Lady Rhiannon smiled as she turned back once more to face the mirror.
"Now you see what I mean, mon cher, about the skirt? I cut the silk on the bias. See how it drapes your figure so beautifully, Mademoiselle?" Madam Oberon commented as she pointed to the skirt.
"Yes, I do see it now, Madam. I swear you're a genius when it comes to knowing how to dress a lady." Lady Rhiannon smiled.
"Oh, Rhiannon. When the Sheriff sees you in that? The rest of us will become invisible I'm sure, my dear." Meridwyn said.
"Good. That is the point." Rhiannon grinned knowingly. She turned back to Madam Oberon. "It is absolutely perfect, Madam Oberon. I am very pleased with it. My wedding is not for a few weeks yet. I do not wish for the Sheriff to find this. May I keep it here until closer to the day of my wedding?"
"Oui, Mademoiselle. Ce n'est pas un probleme." Madam Oberon said.
"Good." Lady Rhiannon sighed. "Do you really think my prince will like it?" She asked them once more as she studied her reflection in the mirror.
Lady Meridwyn opened her mouth to speak but wasn't quick enough for the seamstress.
"Ses yeux sont fixes sur vous seul." Madam Oberon smiled as she clasped her hands together, looking into the mirror at Lady Rhiannon.
"Pardon, Madam?" Ladies Rhiannon and Meridwyn asked in unison.
"Oui. Forgive me, mes chers." Madam Oberon began. She looked to Rhiannon. "What I said to you was: his eyes shall be fixed upon only you."
Lady Rhiannon smiled.
"Now mon cher, I have one other surprise." Madam Oberon grinned.
"A surprise? For me?" Rhiannon asked.
"Oui. I completed your gown days ago. And until I was given my latest task by Lady Gisborne, I was rather… bored. I had a very strong hunch you would return. And I thought you might like something new? No doubt mon Seigneur Sheriff will wish to plan something special for your return. And so you shall be needing a gown, mon cher." Madam Oberon smiled. She went over to another gown hanging on the wall, took it and then brought it back to Lady Rhiannon. She pulled the cotton fabric from it that draped it. "Voila, Mademoiselle." She said.
"Oh, it is lovely, Madam Oberon!" Rhiannon exclaimed. "My, it was only a month ago you gave me the blue velvet one I wore to Lady Gisborne's wedding! How you do spoil me." She said as she reached out to caress the brightly coloured fine silk.
"Il est de mon plaisir, Mademoiselle Rhiannon. I'm sure mon Seigneur Sheriff would agree – it is easy to spoil you, mon cher." Madam Oberon winked.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Two hours before dusk Lady Rhiannon returned to the private chambers. She hadn't seen the Sheriff since she returned to the castle. She spent some time looking for him after she brought her new gown back to the chamber following the meeting with Madam Oberon. She also asked around if anyone knew where her brother might be, but nobody seemed to know. Then when she was told that the Sheriff had ridden into the village, she went back to meet with her friend. She and Lady Meridwyn spent the afternoon in the gardens and had just parted company recently. She hoped the Sheriff had returned by now.
She opened the door into the den and gasped. There were candles burning everywhere. A dozen white roses stood in an ornate golden vase on the table in the den. White candles burned in golden candlesticks beside the vase. The candlelight reflected from the metal of the vase and assaulted her eyes with light. She looked around. The room was empty. She went to the doors leading into the bedchamber and opened them.
"George?" She called as she walked inside. Her gown was still on the bed. She hoped he hadn't seen it. She had forgotten she planned to hang it somewhere where he wouldn't see it.
She suddenly felt hands upon her shoulders. She jumped.
"My lady." He breathed.
She turned around and threw her arms about his neck and kissed him.
"Oh, my prince. I've been looking all over for you! What were you doing in the village?" Rhiannon pouted as she rested her head against his chest and took in the scent of his leather.
The Sheriff smiled and bent down to kiss the top of her head. "Just some business I needed to take care of, my angel. Forgive me for not being here when you arrived." He said. He tilted her chin up forcing her to meet his gaze as he burned his amber eyes into hers. "I could tear that gown off of you right now." He breathed in a raw whisper.
"My love…" She whispered.
"But… I won't." The Sheriff said. "Because you shall need to primp, and we haven't much time." The Sheriff hinted with a devilish grin.
"Haven't much time for what?" Rhiannon asked.
"We shall be dining with Guy and Lady Meridwyn in two hours hence." The Sheriff announced. He paused thoughtfully for a moment. "Or…would you prefer we dined alone, my angel?" The Sheriff asked as he caressed her cheek.
"No. Well… I do wish for us to be alone together, but it will be good to dine with the Gisbornes." She smiled.
"Are you up for this, my angel? You're not too tired, are you?" The Sheriff asked, suddenly remembering her current condition. She tired very easily the night before, he noticed.
"My love, I am well. This has been my best day in a fortnight. I am not dizzy, I am hungry for once, and best of all – I am not tired." She grinned.
"Good, my lady. I shall keep that in mind for later." The Sheriff smirked.
She smiled and looked around at her surroundings. "Oh, my prince, the roses and the candles – they are beautiful! White roses – my favourite! You remembered." Rhiannon smiled.
"I cannot look at one now without thinking of you, my lady. You are like a perfect rose. One without thorns and which can thrive in the snow." The Sheriff whispered smoothly as he held her to him and kissed her neck.
She shivered as he tickled her with his whiskers. "You're going to make me want to cancel our dinner plans, my lord." Lady Rhiannon purred.
"I am so glad you are home, my angel." The Sheriff said suddenly as he embraced her tightly, surprising her a little.
"It is only home because you are here, my prince. You are my home." Lady Rhiannon whispered.
"Another month." The Sheriff sighed. "You're going to make me wait another month." He smiled ruefully.
"Well, you won't have to wait longer than that. Patience, my love. Isn't that what you're always fond of telling me?"
"Indeed." The Sheriff said. "Now, my angel, do I need to remind you to uh… tone down your flirting with me this evening?" The Sheriff teased as he recalled the last time they dined with his cousin and Lady Meridwyn.
"No. I promise to be a good girl while we are dining. But… don't expect a good girl when we arrive back here." She hinted with her eyebrow quirked knowingly.
"Oh, really?" He asked.
"You'll just have to wait and see." Lady Rhiannon teased.
The Sheriff looked over her shoulder to the bed. "What is this? A new gown, my lady?" He asked.
"Yes." She said as she extricated herself from his embrace. She turned around and swiftly grabbed a fur throw from the foot of the bed and threw it over the gown to cover it.
"What are you doing?" The Sheriff asked, bewildered.
"You shall see it soon enough." Rhiannon said. "But I'd prefer you to first see it on me than see it beforehand." She smiled.
"Alright, my angel." The Sheriff said. "I have sent for the man I know in Nettlestone with the greenhouse. I thought you'd be pleased to hear that. I asked him to come for tomorrow." The Sheriff said.
"Thank you, my lord. I'm eager to speak with him. And what of my brother? Do you know what happened to him? I was eager to speak with him as well, but alas, no one seems to know where he is?" Lady Rhiannon asked.
"No, my angel. I do not know." He lied.
"Oh, I hope he didn't head back north?" Lady Rhiannon exclaimed.
"I'm sure he is somewhere in the village, my lady. I'm sure he wouldn't leave without speaking with you. I shall send the page to look for him on the morrow. Now, I have sent for the servants to bring hot water for your bath. I thought you might like that." The Sheriff said.
A sudden knock on the door punctuated his words. He opened it and two lady servants appeared carrying buckets of steaming water. He directed them toward the bath chamber.
"My lord?" Rhiannon began. "How did you know?" She asked, shaking her head.
"Just a good guess." The Sheriff smiled. "I knew when I told you about our plans for the evening you would want to enjoy a warm soak. Even though you uh… sort of had a bath this morning." The Sheriff grinned as his left eyebrow shot north.
Lady Rhiannon felt her cheeks flush. "Yes." She said weakly.
"Now, I shall leave you to your beautification process." The Sheriff teased. "I need to meet with my tax collector and Luke and then I shall return." He promised. He kissed her then went on his way.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Robert and his lady Isabelle were leaving the inn just before dusk. They didn't make it very far when they noticed two men walking toward them. One was tall and muscular with long brown hair to his shoulders, piercing gray eyes, and he sported a few days worth of beard growth. A rather handsome gentleman – at least compared to the other one, Robert noted. The man accompanying him, by contrast, was short and stout, with balding reddish blond hair. The unattractive looking man spoke.
"Pardon me, sir? I was told by the innkeeper that ye are a blacksmith. Is that right?" The man asked.
"Aye. That is correct." Robert said as he continued on his way. Lady Isabelle held his arm and kept pace alongside him.
"I wonder if ye know where I might find me some… Spanish steel to replace the blade of my sword?" The stout man asked, unfazed that the blacksmith was deliberately attempting to ignore him.
Robert stopped in his tracks and turned around to face him. "I heard a rumour of a man in Nottingham who began using that particular variety of steel for his swords three years ago. But I couldn't say who his source is, if the rumour is true of course." Robert said with an eyebrow raised suspiciously. He had a funny feeling that the man knew exactly whom Robert referred to.
"Well, I thought that since you are a blacksmith you would have a better chance of finding out than I would – how I could obtain me some… Spanish steel?"
"First of all you'd probably be better replacing the whole sword than just the blade." Robert mentioned. He shook his head. "Why would you need such strong steel anyway?" He questioned. "Are you a soldier then?"
The man chuckled. "No, but I'm damn good with a blade. And there's been a band of rebels running amock – burning down homes and the like! My sister's home was among them. One has to be prepared in these troubled times." He said as he clasped his hands together before him.
"Mmm hmm?" Robert said with his eyebrow quirked. "And…what is in it for me then?"
"Fifty gold pieces. Would that work for you?" The man asked.
"Perhaps. I shall think on it. If I decide to do this, where shall I find you?" Robert asked.
"I'm staying right here at the inn." The man smiled. "Isn't that convenient?"
"I will see what I can do, but I cannot promise you." Robert said. He nodded to them and continued on his way with Lady Isabelle. He had a bad feeling about this man. He knew the man was referring to the Sheriff. Why was he being so secretive about it? The sword he was after had a different intent than what the man had explained. Robert was almost certain of it. He was also certain that he just became part of a strange game, but he couldn't yet put his finger on it.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Sheriff returned to his chambers following his meeting with Gregor, and then Luke. He found Luke standing watch with Adam at the main portcullis. Luke assured the Sheriff that Galfrey had received the scroll and that he would come to speak with the Sheriff on the morrow. The Sheriff went into the den and paused to pour a libation of the tincture of rapture. He took a sip, set the goblet down then headed to the doors leading into the bedchamber.
"Rhiannon, are you read –" He gasped. She stood before the mirror but turned to face him when she heard the doors open.
Her gown was raw silk in a vibrant brick orange hue. It was tailored perfectly to hug her curves. It had a low scoop neckline, fitted sleeves, and a skirt that perfectly draped her figure. Decorating the bodice from the neckline to the waist were silver buttons studded in the center with a brilliant diamond. The Sheriff swallowed. Her hair was up and decorated with combs encrusted with garnets and diamonds. The colour of the gown made her green eyes even more vivid with colour. The aqua pools glistened as they met his.
"My lady." The Sheriff said as he walked toward her. "You are a vision, my angel." He smiled.
"Thank you, my love. I am pleased you approve." Rhiannon said.
"Shall we head to the dining hall?" The Sheriff asked as he held his arm out to her.
She smiled and took it. He led her out of the chamber, down the stairs and to the dining hall on the main level.
The doors opened. Guy of Gisborne stood there with his lady. Both were holding a goblet in their hand.
"Milady Rhiannon." Guy said as he came toward them. "Welcome back." He smiled.
"Thank you, Sir Guy. It is good to be back." Lady Rhiannon smiled. She looked up at her handsome betrothed. He grinned back at her as he released her to visit with his cousin and his wife.
"It's about time you came home, friend." Lady Meridwyn said. "He just about drove the lot of us mad, you know." She whispered teasingly as she nodded behind her friend to the Sheriff. The Sheriff was near the door speaking to his sentry.
Rhiannon looked to the table. It seemed the Sheriff had put quite a bit of thought into several different touches to welcome her home. The dark mahogany table was covered in whisper thin, fine silk in a deep crimson colour. There were more bouquets of roses on the table in golden vases. Positioned in the center was a golden candelabra with tapered white candles burning. Torches blazed along the walls of the dining hall, and there were iron candelabrum positioned strategically through the room burning more white candles. Garlands of white roses and greenery tumbled down along the bases of the candelabrum. The room was ablaze with fire and life. She smiled.
The Sheriff returned to them. "Forgive me." He said to them. "I needed to speak to my sentry. I have summoned for Jean Louis." He said.
"Right." Gisborne said.
"Did my lady share with you the good news?" The Sheriff asked Lady Meridwyn.
"Yes, my lord. I am very pleased for you both. Our children shall be fortunate to grow up together." Lady Gisborne said.
"Indeed." The Sheriff agreed.
"And when is this marriage taking place, cousin?" Guy asked.
Lady Rhiannon grinned.
"We shall be getting married next month." The Sheriff said.
"It shall be a grand affair indeed." Lady Meridwyn remarked.
The sentry came into the room and interrupted them just now.
"My lord?" He addressed his master.
"Yes, what is it?" The Sheriff asked.
"Your guests have arrived. Shall I show them in now?" He asked.
"Yes. That will be fine." The Sheriff nodded.
"Guests?" Lady Rhiannon asked as she folded her arms and cast a suspicious look to her betrothed. "What guests? You didn't mention anyone other than Sir Guy and Lady Meridwyn?" She challenged him with her eyebrow quirked.
"Oh. Right. Well, just one of the Barons and his lady. They just happen to be visiting Nottingham you know." The Sheriff said absently.
"Aye. Quite right, cousin." Guy quipped. "He was here for the hanging!" Guy grinned.
"Indeed, cousin." The Sheriff smiled.
Ladies Rhiannon and Meridwyn eyed their men curiously and then looked at each other rolling their eyes and shaking their heads. And then the doors flew open and the sentry showed Robert and Isabelle Wordsworth into the dining hall.
"Robert!" Lady Rhiannon squealed as she swiftly went toward him and embraced him tightly.
"My dear sister." He said as he kissed her forehead.
"Are you dining with us?" Rhiannon asked.
"Yes, my dear. Did he not tell you then?" Robert asked.
"No, he didn't." Lady Rhiannon said as she turned around and grinned at the Sheriff. She mouthed the words: 'thank you' to him.
The Sheriff nodded to his soon to be bride.
"Come!" Lady Rhiannon said as she took Robert and Isabelle's hands. She took them over to Guy and Lady Meridwyn.
"Robert." Gisborne nodded to him. He looked to Isabelle. "Milady." He smiled.
"Oh. You have met Sir Guy then?" Rhiannon asked her brother.
"Yes, Rhiannon. Though, we haven't met the lovely maiden who accompanies him." He said.
Lady Meridwyn blushed.
"Robert and Isabelle, I'd like you to meet Lady Meridwyn Gisborne." Rhiannon said as she nodded toward Meridwyn. She looked to Meridwyn. "My dear Meridwyn, this is my brother Robert and his wife, Isabelle." She announced to her friend.
"How do you do?" Lady Meridwyn smiled at them both.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, milady." Robert nodded.
"Wordsworth, how good of you to join us!" The Sheriff said. Suddenly he realized why Robert's eyes looked so familiar when he first met him. Robert and Rhiannon stood side by side. The Sheriff studied them both. Their eyes were almost exactly the same. Indeed, the similarities were striking. He chastised himself for not putting two and two together before Mortianna enlightened him.
"Indeed." Robert replied.
"I hope you will not be rushing back to your home in Pocklington, dear brother." Rhiannon said. "We have hardly had a proper visit." She pointed out.
"Did he not tell you then?" Robert asked with his eyebrow raised suspiciously.
"Tell me what?" Lady Rhiannon asked. Then she looked to her betrothed.
"Oh, shall I tell her then?" The Sheriff asked Robert.
"Tell me what?" Lady Rhiannon demanded.
"Aye." Robert said. "You tell her."
Lady Rhiannon looked once more to the Sheriff with her eyebrow quirked.
"Hmm. No. You tell her." The Sheriff grinned.
Lady Rhiannon shook her head and sighed, and folded her arms as she impatiently awaited an answer.
"Well, it turns out… I shall be working in Nottingham." Robert announced.
"What?" Lady Rhiannon asked.
"Yes." He smiled.
"You found work – just like that? You just got released yesterday and you already have employment lined up?" Rhiannon asked, incredulous. "But, how on earth –"
"Yes. Nottingham Castle to be exact." Robert smiled.
The Sheriff grinned.
Lady Rhiannon was clearly surprised. "What?" She shrieked. She looked at her betrothed.
"Now, my angel." The Sheriff began. "Surely you recall the matter of my blind blacksmith, Stephanus? Your brother has agreed to take his position in my armoury." The Sheriff said.
"Oh my, I had forgotten about that. Well, that is absolutely grand!" Rhiannon exclaimed. She looked to Robert. "I'm quite surprised you agreed to this, dear brother?"
"He can be really quite persuasive, you know." Robert winked as he nodded toward the Sheriff.
"Oh, indeed!" Lady Rhiannon agreed. She sighed and looked up at her brother, beaming and shaking her head still in disbelief. "We shall be together again, at last! Oh, Robert!" She cried as she embraced him once more.
"I shall never leave you again." Robert soothed as he smoothed her hair. He closed his eyes and smiled.
As the Sheriff observed their exchange he was glad once again that he found out the truth before it was too late. He closed his eyes and sighed.
The doors opened then and his sentry showed Jean Louis, the Sheriff's personal chef, into the room.
"Bonsoir, mon Seigneur Sheriff!" Jean Louis greeted his master cheerfully as he strode toward the group. He was dressed the same as the last time, Rhiannon noted. All in black covered with a long pristine white apron.
"Jean Louis." The Sheriff smiled. "Now, first I must inform you my wedding shall be taking place next month – just a slight change in the scheduling. You understand? I trust you can still manage the feast for me?" The Sheriff asked with his eyebrow quirked.
"Oui. Je serais heureux, mon Seigneur Sheriff." Jean Louis smiled.
"Right. I take it that's a 'yes' then?" The Sheriff asked, rolling his eyes.
"Oui. Oh… excuse – moi. Yes, my lord." He said.
"Good. Now, can you tell us about the menu for this evening?" The Sheriff asked.
The group gathered around them, curious to hear what the chef had been preparing for them.
"Droit." Jean Louis began with a nod. His brown eyes glistened like melted caramel as they lit up when he took advantage of his moment. He loved talking about his art with a captive audience. "We begin with a beautiful veal broth seasoned with the finest fresh herbs taken from your gardens, mon seigneur. Then I shall be bringing a dish of specially seasoned, individual, cute as a button venison pies! You have never tasted anything like it." Jean Louis grinned at his audience. The ladies looked at him in fascination at the way he passionately described the dishes. The Sheriff's eyebrow shot north curiously. Jean Louis went on. "It is succulent minced venison. The meat was cured then slow cooked to perfection. Ah, c'est magnifique!" He exclaimed as he brought his thumb and first two fingertips to his lips and lightly kissed them, then splaying his fingers in front of his face to emphasize his point. The Sheriff noticed each one of the ladies absently licking their lips and sighed shaking his head. "The venison is then enveloped in a delicate, melt in your mouth, light as a whisper pastry, sure to delight your palate and engage your senses – "
"Alright, Jean Louis, we get the idea. Just a basic description rather than a sonnet shall suffice." The Sheriff said rolling his eyes.
"Ah. Oui, mon Seigneur Sheriff." Jean Louis said. He cleared his throat. "Following that, I shall be bringing out roasted peacock surrounded with garden fresh vegetables. The roast was boiled first to tenderize it, then basted with jus d'orange et l'eau de rose – "
"Pardon, Jean Louis?" The Sheriff interrupted him.
"Qu'est – ce que c'est?" Jean Louis remarked absently. He cleared his throat. "Oh. Droit! Forgive me, mon seigneur. The roast was basted with orange juice and rosewater." He sighed then the tall balding man with the kind eyes looked to the rest of the group as he continued. "After the meat was basted it was dusted with sugar and a variety of spices before it was baked very slowly at a low temperature. It should melt in your mouth if my cooks paid attention to my instructions. For dessert there shall be baked pears, baked white sugar plums drizzled with raspberry syrup, sweet pastries with almonds and raisins, and of course – the usual bowls of figs, nuts, and dates." Jean Louis announced proudly.
"My, I am glad I have my appetite back." Lady Meridwyn remarked. "I would surely hate to miss this!" She said.
"It sounds divine." Lady Isabelle agreed.
Lady Rhiannon reached out beside her and grasped the Sheriff's hand, squeezing it.
He looked over at her and smiled.
"You are amazing." She whispered to him with a grin.
He leaned down close to her ear. "If I am it's because you make me that way." The Sheriff whispered.
"I shall show you what I mean… later." She grinned as she bit her lip.
The Sheriff sighed. Even without even trying she was flirting with him. He doubted she was aware of her own powers of seduction. He tugged at the collar of his black velvet doublet. Suddenly he felt a bit warm. Was it all the damned candles and torches blazing in the room? Or was it… her?
"Thank you, Jean Louis." The Sheriff said to his chef, dismissing him.
Jean Louis nodded and turned to take his leave. Suddenly he realized he was remiss in saying something. He turned back to his master. "Oh, and forgive me for being remiss in saying so but, felicitations, mon Seigneur Sheriff." Jean Louis said.
"Pardon?" The Sheriff asked.
"I think he just said: 'congratulations'." Lady Rhiannon said.
Gisborne and Wordsworth along with their ladies stopped talking and looked over at Lady Rhiannon, surprised she understood French.
"Oh, oui! I had forgotten you knew French, Mademoiselle." Jean Louis exclaimed.
"Soulement un peu, mais j'esprire pouvoir s'exprimer couramment dan le temps." Lady Rhiannon shrugged.
The Sheriff's jaw flew agape in complete astonishment.
The Gisbornes shot surprised looks at one another.
Lady Isabelle Wordsworth eyed her sister in law suspiciously with one eyebrow quirked.
Robert Wordsworth folded his arms and grinned, proud of his sister for remaining so clever.
"Very well spoken, Mademoiselle, but forgive me – your accent is terrible!" Jean Louis smirked.
"Wait a minute!" Lady Meridwyn interrupted them. "What did she just say to you?" She demanded of the chef.
"She told me she only knows a little – French that is, but she hopes to be fluent in time." He said.
"Sounds to me like you're nearly there!" Gisborne commented to Lady Rhiannon.
"I have learned a lot from my wardrobe mistress." Lady Rhiannon explained. "And some things I picked up from a forgotten French transcript I dusted off from the Sheriff's library." She added modestly.
"Indeed, my lady is a woman of many talents." The Sheriff said. He couldn't help but think of the talented ways she could please him with her tongue. He swallowed and looked away.
"I shall send the serving wenches to bring the soup." Jean Louis called from the door. "Etre assis." He directed them nodding toward the table.
"What's that, Jean Louis?" The Sheriff asked.
"Please, be seated." Jean Louis said.
They took their places around the large rectangular table. The Sheriff and Guy sat at either end of the table, with their respective ladies seated to their right. Robert sat beside Meridwyn and across from his sister. Lady Isabelle sat on Rhiannon's right.
Two serving wenches appeared. One placed steaming bowls of veal broth in front of each of them. The other poured wine into their goblets.
"A toast?" The Sheriff suggested as he raised his goblet.
They raised their goblets and looked to the Sheriff.
"As you know, we have much to celebrate. Our families are together at last. And the best news of all – my lady has agreed to be my wife." The Sheriff smiled as he reached over and took her hand. He looked into her eyes. Rhiannon squeezed his hand and beamed at him, her green eyes twinkled by the glow of the candlelight. "To new beginnings." The Sheriff said as he held his goblet up in front of him.
"New beginnings." They repeated in unison. They all took a sip from their goblet and the feasting began.
"So, where are you staying then, brother?" Lady Rhiannon asked Robert as she tasted the savoury broth.
"At the moment, my lady and I are staying at the inn in the village. When it is feasible I shall have a home built for us." Robert explained.
"There shall be no need. Unless you want to, of course." The Sheriff said.
"My lord?" Robert asked.
"You and your lady shall be afforded an apartment here, in this castle of course. Unless you would prefer otherwise?" The Sheriff said. "But as you can see, the castle is quite grand in scale. You may hardly notice I'm even here." The Sheriff winked as he looked left to Robert.
"Well… this shall be rather cozy indeed!" Robert said. "Thank you, my lord. We would be pleased. However, I would like to have a manor to esca – I mean… visit." He grinned. He looked over to Rhiannon. "It's too bad about my property in Pocklington. I could've sold it and used the money to buy Isabelle and I a nice manor. Perhaps in Nettlestone?" He added, turning to his right to give the Sheriff a knowing grin.
"What do you mean – too bad about your property?" The Sheriff asked, unfazed by Robert's subtle jab.
"Well, it is not mine to sell anymore is it? I lost my rights to it when you arrested me." Robert pointed out.
The Gisbornes and Lady Isabelle fidgeted slightly in discomfiture in their seats at the awkwardness just then.
"The rights to your property and your home were given back to you when your pardon was granted, dear boy." The Sheriff smirked.
"You jest!" Robert exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief.
"No. Indeed I do not." The Sheriff said as he took a sip from his goblet.
"Well, I should like to return there then to sell it, my lord. Whenever you see fit to grant me leave, of course." Robert added.
"Indeed." The Sheriff nodded as he tasted the last bit of his broth.
The serving wenches appeared and took their bowls then exited the room. Almost as if perfectly choreographed, Jean Louis appeared in the doorway just then, almost dancing around them holding a platter high in the air with one hand supporting it underneath in a perfect balancing act. Two more serving wenches followed him carrying flasks of wine and plates.
"The venison pies, mon Seigneur Sheriff." Jean Louis announced as he held the tray in front of his master to show him. "See what I mean, mon Seigneur? Aren't they just cute as a button? Absolument precieux!" He exclaimed.
The Sheriff's eyebrow shot north as he looked at him strangely. He nodded to the chef.
The servants put plates in front of them and Jean Louis began to serve them individual golden baked pies.
"Oh, my heavens! This is absolutely divine!" Lady Isabelle exclaimed following her first bite.
"I could eat at least half a dozen of those!" Lady Meridwyn agreed. She turned to her husband on her left. "Guy, you must ask him to make me some of these pies!"
"Yes, dearest." Gisborne sighed. He didn't know what was worse about her condition? The time when she couldn't hold down a morsel of anything? Or now… when she craved everything in sight!
They each agreed the venison pie was quite flavourful and the chef was right about his description of the pastry.
"My lord, we must get him to serve this at our wedding feast." Lady Rhiannon said to the Sheriff.
"If it is your wish, my angel, then it shall be done." The Sheriff smiled.
"You are too good to me." She whispered.
"It is my pleasure." He smiled at her as he sipped from his goblet.
Robert couldn't help but notice their exchange. It appeared they both truly seemed enamoured with each other.
After a time the chef came back with the servants. Two servants removed their plates. The chef placed a platter in the center of the table. The roasted peacock was in the middle of the platter surrounded by baby carrots, leeks, and spiced stewed cabbage. The serving wenches put more plates in front of them then refilled their goblets once more. Jean Louis deftly began carving the peacock then served each of them slices of meat with the vegetables before taking leave of them.
"I have never feasted like this in my entire life, I swear!" Lady Isabelle remarked.
"It is quite something, isn't it Isabelle?" Lady Rhiannon said.
"I'll say!" Isabelle agreed as she savoured the taste of the peacock on her tongue.
"Robert can tell you, we come from a very different background. I pinch myself all of the time. It is like a dream. I swear, everything about this man is like a fairytale." Lady Rhiannon smiled as she looked over at the Sheriff.
His head shot up suddenly as he looked to the right of him to his lady, surprised by her words. He gazed into her eyes and smiled.
"So, uh… this change in you, my lord." Robert began. The Sheriff paused and looked over at him. Robert continued. "Does this have anything to do with my sister?" Robert asked.
"Much of it, yes." The Sheriff said.
"No, cousin. You began to make changes three years ago. Don't you recall? I would say around the time that Lady Marian went to London is when I noticed it." Gisborne said.
"Is that so?" Robert asked the Lieutenant.
"Aye." Gisborne nodded.
"You think so?" The Sheriff challenged his cousin across the table as his eyebrow shot north.
"Indeed. I know it." Gisborne grinned.
"Well, that is surely good to know, Sir Gisborne." Robert said. "For it makes me feel better to know there was some good in him before he got mixed up with my sister." Robert said taking a sip from his goblet as he turned to his right and cast the Sheriff an evil grin.
"You wish!" The Sheriff said sarcastically.
"Oh, for pity's sake!" Lady Rhiannon exclaimed, exasperated. "Is this what I am to expect then? You two to behave like boys around me now?" Rhiannon cried as she gave scornful looks to her brother and her betrothed.
"Only if he makes me." The Sheriff grinned, nodding to his left.
She sighed and shook her head.
"Oh, come now, sister! We're just having a little fun." Robert smiled.
"Don't think you can't annoy me anymore just because I'm grateful ye are alive!" Lady Rhiannon warned.
"Did I mention she's high spirited?" Robert asked the Sheriff.
"Uh… no. But frankly, I gathered that about her quite some time ago." The Sheriff grinned.
"Lucky you!" Lady Meridwyn remarked facetiously as she looked to her friend. Then she turned to her left to Guy. "Right now I am quite grateful I was not granted a brother. But don't mention that to mother, will you?"
Gisborne chuckled as he nodded to his wife.
Isabelle looked to her left at her sister in law. "You must tell me what Robert was like when you were growing up, Rhiannon. I've been waiting a long time to hear about this – I never thought I would!" She smiled.
"I shall be glad to tell you all about him." Rhiannon grinned.
"I can just imagine what you'll tell her too." Robert sighed as he looked across to his sister with his eyes narrowed.
"Oh, you mean like the time you blew up the shed out back of our manor? I thought father would kill you!" Rhiannon smirked.
Gisborne chuckled.
"Oh, my!" Isabelle exclaimed with a giggle.
"Rhiannon!" Robert admonished.
"My, what a clever lad you were!" The Sheriff remarked facetiously.
"Huh! Now you have done it, Rhiannon! Aye. Now you have done it!" Robert shook his head.
Rhiannon smirked and turned to her right. "I'm sure I can think of some other things to share with you too, Isabelle." She said.
"Hmm….isn't this interesting?" The Sheriff said. "My, I had no idea siblings could be so…useful!" He looked across the table. "Isn't that right, cousin?"
"Indeed." Gisborne agreed still chuckling over Rhiannon and Robert's banter.
Lady Meridwyn frowned. She could see where this was heading. "Suddenly I feel very blessed that I am an only child. I don't even have cousins to tell about what I was like!"
"How very odd?" Isabelle commented.
"Yes, isn't it?" Lady Meridwyn agreed.
"Hmm…now Robert, are you going to tell me about your sister then? I'm dying to find out! What was my lady like when she was a little girl?" The Sheriff asked excitedly.
"Oh please." Rhiannon sighed as she bit some meat off her fork and looked at her brother curiously, wondering about his answer.
"Huh! She was a royal pain in my hindquarters!" He grinned.
"Is that a fact?" The Sheriff smiled.
"Oh, Robert!" Lady Rhiannon admonished her brother.
"She was deceitful at times –"
"I had to be because you and Eddie teased me so much when I was young!" Rhiannon pointed out.
"She was very mischievous." Robert winked as he looked to the Sheriff.
"Oh… that I can gather." The Sheriff smirked.
Lady Rhiannon sat back against her chair and folded her arms. "Huh! Like when?" Rhiannon demanded of her brother.
"How about…. like when you stole all of the treats the little Clysdale lass next door had obtained during Samhain?" Robert teased as he took a bite of the meat then grinned at his sister.
The Sheriff's eyes widened. He turned right and looked to his lady. "You devilish little lass, you!" He chuckled to his betrothed.
"Bah! She killed my cat! The rotten little wretch –"
"You had a cat?" The Sheriff asked her. His head swung back to the left when Robert answered.
"Oh, it was a mangy, beastly little bugger." Robert sighed.
"He was the sweetest cat I ever saw!" Rhiannon scorned. "You know how I loved Otis!"
The Sheriff chuckled. "What a curious name for a cat, my dear?" He said.
"He was the best cat ever!" Rhiannon exclaimed as she chewed on her carrots. She swallowed and took a sip of her wine. "That little wretch deserved it!" She added once more as she looked across to her brother.
"I don't think little Emeline Clysdale meant to hit your cat with the arrow, dear sister. She was aiming for the tree he was in." Robert smiled.
"Well she should have damn well been paying attention. At the time I thought she was silly playing boyish games anyway." Rhiannon muttered.
"Oh, my!" The Sheriff chuckled.
"See what I mean?" Lady Gisborne said to her husband. "No siblings. Less complicated."
Gisborne nodded.
A short time later the table was cleared by the servants, and Jean Louis came into the room. He held a tray containing the bowls of baked pears and baked sugar plums. He placed the bowls in the center of table flanking either side of the golden candelabra. Two more serving wenches appeared. One placed bowls of figs, dates, and nuts on the table from the tray she balanced upon her hand. The other refilled their goblets and put a plate of sweet pastries on the table for them. Jean Louis put more golden plates in front of them and served them the baked fruits.
Rhiannon looked around the table to everyone gathered there. This was her family now. How things had changed. She realized it had been years since she had dined with so many people. She took a bite of the sweet, juicy sugar plum. The raspberry syrup that coated it tickled her tongue with a mixture of tang and sweetness. Suddenly she thought of a time many years ago. It was the season of Yule and she was just eight years old. It was six months before her father died – the last time her entire family celebrated Christmas together. The sugar plums reminded her. It was then that her Uncle Edmund and his wife Bibi came to visit with Rhiannon's cousins, Beatrix and Clara. Uncle Edmund brought various sweets, and chocolate covered raisins with him. Auntie Bibi brought a dish she had made for dessert of baked sugar plums and apples. Robert was almost sixteen then. She could still see Robert and Eddie in her minds' eye, standing in the parlour laughing over a cup of mead. She sighed. If only Eddie could come back from the dead. How she missed him!
"My angel?" The Sheriff whispered taking her hand in his. He had noticed she had gone quiet and appeared rather pensive just now. "Are you alright?" He asked.
She looked up at him. Her green eyes were misty.
"My lady?" The Sheriff whispered, concerned. She looked close to… tears!
She leaned in closer to him. "It is nothing, my love." She whispered. "It is just that having my brother here and being with all of you reminds me of the time when my own family celebrated our last Christmas together. It makes me miss… Eddie." She said.
The Sheriff smiled and squeezed her hand.
Robert's ears pricked at the mention of his brother's name.
"He is here, Rhiannon." Robert said to his sister, matter of factly.
The Sheriff's left eyebrow shot north as he regarded Robert curiously.
The Gisbornes and Lady Isabelle stopped talking and turned their attention to Robert.
"What?" Rhiannon asked, incredulous.
"Edward is here with us, sweet sister. You know…" He began as he took his goblet and drank from it. He put the goblet back down and continued. "Christ once said: 'Where two are more are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them.' –"
The Sheriff choked slightly while sipping on his wine.
Gisborne coughed nervously.
Robert continued, unfazed. "And I'd like to believe that is true for all of our loved ones who have gone on before us. I'd like to believe it was not over for Edward that day. Not him, dear sister. You know how he brought life to every room he entered into?" Robert pointed out.
She nodded and bit her lip.
"I'd like to believe that our dear brother is here with us right now. You know he'd hate to miss anything like this!" Robert added.
Rhiannon smiled. "Aye. You got that right, dear brother!"
The Sheriff smiled. It was then he knew exactly what to do about a certain matter that concerned his son. And – he was glad he made the decision to ask Robert to be his son's godfather. He had just proven he was the perfect choice. The Sheriff knew his lady would agree. He took a sip from his wine and pondered for a moment… did Christ really say that?