Page 61 of Rogue of the Greenwood
At last Uncle Prinley showed some sign that Gisborn’s inappropriate forwardness was not appreciated. He clenched his fists—just slightly—and spoke.
“Perhaps that can wait, Gisborn. Hadn’t we better take our leave from my niece and begin preparations for the important matter at hand?”
Gisborn’s voice was clipped with annoyance. “Very well, if Miss Maidland does not mind, then I suppose I will bid her good day. Until dinner.”
Marianne was quick to reply. Probably too quick, but she couldn’t help it.
“I do not mind! You gentlemen surely have things to discuss—I wish you much success.”
“Thank you, my dear,” Uncle Prinley said with unexpected grace. “It will not be too many hours before you will see Mr. Gisborn again.”
“I hope they go quickly,” Marianne said, adding a sigh for extra effect. “I will content myself with anafternoon of selecting just the right attire for tonight.”
Mr. Gisborn raked his eyes over her again and took her hand in a parting gesture. He spoke low so only she could hear.
“I know what I would like to see you wear...”
Even if she were not made nauseous by his vulgarity, there were simply no words for his cheek. She kept her eyes on the floor, pulled her hand away, and dashed from the room with every bit of civility she could muster. How could anyone think she might be at all interested in someone as abhorrent as Mr. Gisborn?
She was all too eager to leave his presence. Uncle Prinley spoke in low, conspiratorial tones behind her and she knew she ought to listen, but she was already on her way toward her chamber. It was as if the very air became sweeter the more distance she put between herself and Mr. Gisborn. She wanted only to lock herself away, never to so much as think of him again.
She could not do that, though. Thoughts of another man disallowed full retreat. Robert Locksley was in danger! Somehow Gisborn had learned of one of his schemes and was, even now, plotting to capture him. Even if Robert himself was not to be in the party that would come to Nottingham today, it was fair to assume his men would be. If Gisborn caught one of them, how long before he could torment them into revealing their hiding place in the forest?
How odd, though, that Robert would plan to take from the church. Mr. Fraytuck was his friend. Surely Gisborn has misunderstood the meaning of that note he had intercepted; Robert must be going there for some other purpose. Still, it would hardly matterwhythe band of so-called outlaws came into the church.What mattered would be the fact that Gisborn would be waiting for them with armed guards. Robert would have no chance.
Unless, of course, Marianne could do something to save him. She knew just the thing! It would, however, require change of clothes…
Chapter 16
As far as Robert could tell, things were going according to plan. Gisborn seemed to be unaware of their scheme and there was no reason not to expect success. Still, Robert couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps he should rethink things.
“There’s the church spire ahead,” Will pointed out as their cart rolled into town. “Your friend the vicar should be waiting there.”
“You’re certain he understands what he is to do?”
“Alan and I spoke to him early today,” Will assured him. “Everyone knows their part; the vicar, our man out at Greenwood, even Henry’s gone on ahead to keep a watch. It’s going to work out.”
“I hope so,” Robert muttered.
John laughed heartily. “What? This mad scheme was your idea, Rob! Don’t tell us you’re doubting it now.”
“Keep quiet!” Robert admonished. “Gisborn has ears everywhere.”
“Hopefully most of them are positioned around the church by now,” Alan said. “It’s nearly time—they should be expecting us.”
“In great number, if we’re lucky,” John said.
The others agreed and encouraged each other as the wagon jostled on toward their goal. Alan and Will had come into town very early with Henry. They metup with George Muchleigh and coordinated with the vicar. When all was set, Much brought the wagon—along with fresh supplies for the Grover family—to collect Robert, John, and Bert, the groom. Regrouped, the little band headed into town.
Robert watched each corner and shop as they passed. It was all so familiar, yet foreign at the same time. It was as if a dark cloud had, indeed, come over Nottingham. People moved about quickly, heads down in worry or fear. Or despair. Even the dogs seemed to know not to bark or risk attracting unwelcome attention.
The church spire that had been looming ahead of them disappeared behind a row of buildings as the wagon turned onto another street. Robert couldn’t help but chuckle when he thought of the luckless sheriff, gathering his men around the church, expecting to capture the infamous Robin Hood. That false note Bert had passed on to Gisborn had been quite eagerly received. Henry reported that Gisborn had left home immediately after receiving it and rushed directly to meet with St. John and Reeve.
It was unlikely the sheriff would have taken all his men from guarding the gaol and sent them to stalk the church, but surely he would have taken some. Hopefully guards at the gaol would be sparse. While Gisborn and his partners waited to capture outlaws at the church, Robert would be gathering Mr. Green from the gaol.
It wasn’t a simple matter of paying back taxes to release the physician. He was in for the crime of illegally caring for those who St. John had declared unworthy. If Robert wanted to get that man set free, he would have to do it by force.
Hopefully there were enough of them to do that. If all went according to plan, most of the guards would have been sent on to assist at the church. Robert and his band could get in, take Mr. Green, and get out in a matter of minutes. The whole lot of them would be safely back in Sherwood before Gisborn realized he’d been duped.
