"Sir Guy's Atonement" (Book 3), Ch. 9 (PG-13, D):  Secrets and Lies, 

February 23, 2015 by Gratiana Lovelace
[An Original Fan Fiction adaptation of the characters from the BBC's Robin Hood;  & a Sequel to "Sir Guy's Dilemma" (Book 2) by Gratiana Lovelace] (All Rights Reserved; No copyright infringement intended)  [(1) story logo, top right]

[From time to time, I will illustrate my story with my dream cast of:  Richard Armitage as Sir Guy of Gisborne, Clive Standen as Lord Archer of Locksley, Emma Watson as Lady Roseanna Gisborne, Tommy Bastow as the young Seth Gisborne, Lucy Griffiths as the spectre of Lady Marian, James McAvoy as Lord George Middleton, Toby Stephens as Prince John, Dakota Fanning as Lady Caroline Havorford,  Chris Hemsworth as Sir Roderick Merton, Tamsin Egerton as Lady Rebecca, Lee Ross as Sir Jasper, etc.]

Author's Mature Content Note:  "Sir Guy's Atonement" is a story of romance and intrigue set amidst Medieval times.  As such there will be some passages in this story involving heartfelt love scenes (S) and some passages involving highly dramatic moments (D).  I will label the maturity rating of those chapters accordingly.  Otherwise, the general rating for this story is PG or PG-13 due to some mature situations and topics.  If you are unable or unwilling to attend a movie with the ratings that I provide, then please do not read the chapters with those labels.  This is my disclaimer.

Author's Recap from the previous installment:  Having been warned away from seeking the eleven year old Lady Caroline's hand in marriage by Prince John's Toady Sir Jasper, Sir Roderick finds their hostess, Rebecca Lady Leicester, at the behest of her three year old son Lord Graham Oxbridge.  However, Sir Roderick has another motive for finding Lady Rebecca, for she is his childhood love Becca who was torn away from him--as he was torn away from her--five years ago, each of them forced to marry another.  Lady Rebecca wed the Earl of Leicester, Lord John Oxbridge and bore him two children--their daughter borne after he left to join King Richard at the crusades. 

Sadly, Sir Roderick's marriage ended with the death of his wife and heir in childbirth eighteen months ago.  And though he still mourns their passing, Sir Roderick is drawn to Lady Rebecca as if she holds the key to his future happiness.  But she is not free, locked within a loveless marriage for the sake of her children.  Both of them are unhappy and give in to their poignant longings in a tender heartfelt kiss, before coming to their senses. And though Sir Roderick vows to return to Lady Rebecca briefly this night after the feast celebrating Sir Guy of Gisborne's upcoming investiture to a Barony--a chaste meeting is all that they may entertain--there is still the feast to endure.  And their secret love might not be concealed for long.

Ch. 9 (PG-13, D)--Secrets and Lies

Sir Guy of Gisborne stands tall and imperious looking [(2) right] as he purposefully gazes about the crush of nobles in the busy Great Banquet Hall of Gordon Castle in Leicester this night of Friday, March 29th, 1199 celebrating his impending elevation to a Barony. Sir Guy of Gisborne's eyes are narrowed in worried concentration as he does not find what he expects to see.  His prominent nose appearing even more beak like as it strains forward from the tense muscles of his taut hawkish face and neck.

Forgotten is Sir Guy's discomfiture with his overly elegant indigo velvet tunic--his thoughts now replaced with a sense of foreboding.  His children Seth and Lady Helen nearly falling to their deaths from the top of the keep tower earlier today serves as a portent of a sinister nature--beyond the revelation of a plot to prevent his investiture to a Barony taking place, with his assassination being plotted.  Sir Guy's utmost concern is to protect and to defend his family--nothing is more important to him.

At the center of Sir Guy's concerns are this new knight, Sir Roderick Merton, who has come into their lives as the savior of his children from falling to their deaths from the top of Gordon Castle's keep tower. He wonders how certain are they about Sir Roderick's character and his intentions?  Did his and his wife Lady Roseanna's gratefulness to Sir Roderick over shadow their good judgment in being cautious about whom to bring in to their inner circle as they invited him to stay with them in their guest quarters as he healed from his dislocated shoulder injury.  Worst of all, Sir Guy worries that Sir Roderick might be a spy for Prince John and his cronies, him being especially suspicious of Sir Jasper--and that Sir Roderick saving his children was a serendipitous circumstance that might now put his family in danger.

Sir Guy does not willingly entreat these fell thoughts to inhabit his mind and his heart.  But he knows all too well the evil and devastation that reckless and malicious nobles can do--because he was once of their persuasion, doing Sheriff Vasey's and Prince John's bidding in order to advance his own ambitions.    And Sir Guy dreads that it will not be he that pays for his sins, but that his family will be made to suffer.  They almost lost Seth and Lady Helen this day. What will happen next?

Sir Guy leans down to his wife who is animatedly speaking with their daughter Lady Helen and Lady Caroline Havorford who holds on to  little Lord Graham's hand.

Sir Guy:  "My Lady Wife, I thought that Seth was charged to be Lord Graham's guardian this night, I do not see him near--nor even in the Banquet Hall."  His deep voice whispers in concern.

Lady Roseanna:  "Oh?" She looks up and around the room. Then turning to the sweetly young Lady Caroline Havorford--her brother's sister-in-law--she asks. "Caroline, Dear, have you seen Seth recently."

Lady Caroline:  Lady Caroline replies with a confused expression upon her countenance.  "Seth?  No, I have not. Nor have I seen Sir Roderick.  Sir Roderick was so brave in saving Seth and Lady Helen." She gushes with obvious interest in the handsome knight. 

Lady Roseanna and Sir Guy share a worried look between them.  Their plan to betroth their ten year old son Seth with the eleven year old Lady Caroline Havorford will falter if her wishes lie elsewhere.  They both hope that she is merely infatuated with Sir Roderick.

Lady Helen: Tugging upon her mama's hand, Lady Helen speaks up.  "Mama, I saw Seth follow Sir Roderick out of the banquet hall.  May haps Seth had to ..."  She stops, not wanting to mention a private action in company, lest they be overheard by other nobles in attendance at the banquet.  "...you know." She rolls her eyes and tilts her head.

However being only three years old and feeling no compunction for delicacy--despite how well mannered a little noble boy he is--a now squirming little Lord Graham makes his wishes known as he looks up hopefully at Lady Roseanna and Sir Guy.

Lord Graham:  "I need a chamber pot!"

Lady Roseanna:  Reaching for the little boy's hand, she offers soothingly.  "I will take him."

Sir Guy: Staying his wife's hand he intercedes, speaking urgently. "Nay, Rose! I will do it.  It will give me a chance to find Seth as well." Sir Guy looks at his wife pointedly, he will not be overruled.

Lady Roseanna:  "As you wish, My Love.   Thank you."  She smiles agreeably.  Her husband is up to something, but she knows not what.  Then she places her arms about her daughter Lady Helen's and their kinswoman Lady Caroline's shoulders. "Girls, let us see how Lady Mary is faring.  She looks quite fatigued this night." 

Indeed, the extended family is worried for Lady Middleton whose advanced third pregnancy seems to be stressing her small frame more than her first two boys pregnancies did.  And Lady Mary so longs for a girl this time.  But she will have to wait to learn her fate.

Sir Guy nods and he clasps little Lord Graham's hand in his as they stride purposefully toward the arched entrance to the Banquet Hall.  Little Lord Graham struggles to keep up with Sir Guy's long strides, so Sir Guy has to slow his pace. And in his line of sight he is relieved to see his son Seth [(3) right]  returning to the Banquet Hall--only to have his relief replaced with concern as Prince John's toady Sir Jasper intercepts Seth.  And the fact that  Sir Jasper seems to have changed into his ceremonial chain mail protective suit is also troubling to Sir Guy.  For what need for armour does anyone have at a banquet?

Sir Jasper: Firmly clasping Seth Gisborne's shoulder, which stops Seth's forward progress, Sir Jasper inquires.  "And where have you been young Gisborne?  What were you about?"  Sir Jasper's eyes narrow beadly.

Seth: Not in pain, but not able to move from Prince John's aide's firm grasp, Seth relents and replies.  "I was ... I was..."  Seth remembers his father Sir Guy telling him earlier, not to trust Sir Jasper, nor to reveal what he knows. 

Sir Jasper is instantly suspicious of Seth.  Why does the boy delay? Does he know something? What does he know?

Sir Jasper: "Come now!  Speak of what you have been up to!" 

Seth: "Up to?  My Lord?  I do not know what you mean?"  Seth stammers, trying to delay responding.

Sir Jasper:  "You are true Gisborne, as taciturn as your father Sir Guy." Sir Jasper sneers petulantly.

Annoying--for Sir Jasper--Seth straightens up proudly, despite Sir Jasper's continued hold on him. 

Seth:  "I thank you for the compliment, Sir Jasper." Seth glares pridefully at his accuser.

Sir Jasper: "Hmmm."  Sir Jasper furrows his brow.  Then he thinks of another approach.  "And to think, it was I who served as messenger for Prince John in bringing your father, Sir Guy, your legitimacy papers five years ago.  You should show me more respect and answer what I ask of you."  Sir Jasper smiles menacingly [(4) right].

Seth frowns.  He does not know what Sir Jasper is talking about--because his parents have never told him the full story about his birth.

Seth: "I do not know to what you refer."  Seth warily admits.

Sir Jasper: "Oh? Then let me enlighten you." But before he can ooze his venom, Sir Jasper is interrupted.

With little Lord Graham in tow, Sir Guy providentially reaches his son Seth before Prince John's toady, Sir Jasper, can enlighten Seth about his parentage.  Sir Jasper slowly releases his hold upon Seth.

Sir Guy: "Seth!  There you are!  Come help me with Lord Graham."

Sir Jasper: "What?  No greeting, Sir Guy?  And I was just telling Seth here that it was I who brought you the royal decree that made him legitimate."

Sir Guy:  Glowering at Sir Jasper, Sir Guy hisses in reply.  "At the moment, your agency in that long ago matter is of no consequence."

Seth: "Papa?" He looks up at his father with curious seeking eyes.  Seth wonders why would he have need to be made legitimate?

Lord Graham: "I need a chamber pot! Now!"  Little Lord Graham pleads to Sir Guy and Seth.

Sir Guy: "Seth, come!" And Sir Guy takes both boys out of the Banquet Hall to an ante room down the hall arranged as a guest convenience.  Sir Jasper glares at their retreating forms.

Once in the guest convenience, Sir Guy helps remove Lord Graham's tunic to prevent messes--after siring five children, the great Sir Guy of Gisborne is conversant with tending to children--Sir Guy situates Lord Graham on the chamber pot and steps to the side with Seth to give the toddler some privacy in attending to his personal matter.

Sir Guy: "Seth!  Where were you?  And what were you and Sir Jasper talking about?"  Sir Guy speaks urgently, forcefully.

Seth: Stunned by his father's anxious manner, Seth replies truthfully.  "He wondered where I was as well. But I told him nothing, as you warned."

Sir Guy:  Proud that his son obeyed him, his eye brow rising in curiosity, Sir Guy asks.  "And what did you conceal from Sir Jasper?

Seth: "Papa, Sir Roderick is not as noble as he seems!" Seth fumes. "He is not fit for Lady Caroline's admiration."

Sir Guy: "Ahhh!  Is that your considered observation, or is your jealously for Lady Caroline clouding your thoughts? What do you know?" Sir Guy's eyes narrow.

Looking over at Graham still sitting contentedly on the chamber pot, lost in his own thoughts, Seth whispers to his father.

Seth:  "I witnessed an ... assignation... between Sir Roderick and a ... Lady."  Seth dissembles, him not wanting little Lord Graham to overhear them.

Sir Guy:  "Perhaps you mistook what you saw and over heard.  None of us are without fault. And it is folly to speculate an ill purpose to another person's actions."

Seth: Bridling at not being believed, Seth hisses.  "I saw him kiss her, Lady Rebecca.  And she kissed him back. They are lovers."  Seth's mind has jumped to a logical conclusion, but it is not a conclusion yet reached by those whom he besmirches.

And at the tender age of ten years old, Seth is only beginning to understand mature matters--such as love and romance. So he does not fully understand the true meaning of two people being lovers.  He simply applies the term as Sir Roderick and Lady Rebecca acting lovingly toward each other--as his Mama and his Papa act lovingly in the presence of their family and in the privacy of their family home.  Seth has not yet had the talk about men and women from his Papa.

Sir Guy: "Enough!  Such slander is not fit to come from your lips, Seth.  You are a Gisborne and above such malicious gossip!"  Sir Guy admonishes.

Seth: "But I saw them, Papa."  Seth whines.  "Lady Caroline admires Sir Roderick.  But she would not admire him so if she knew he loved another."

Sir Guy:  Putting his arm about his son's shoulders firmly but gently, Sir Guy commands. "Seth, we will not speak of it again.  It is not for us to judge.  Only God will pass judgment."  Sir Guy's face sorrows, for he fears that his own judgment has yet to befall him.

Lord Graham: "I'm done!" He exclaims proudly. Little Lord Graham has only recently stopped wearing wrappers at night and has only had a few accidents while he slept.  So his daytime chamber pot prowess is also improving--in terms of his timely usage of it.

Sir Guy: Rolling his eyes with a smile, Sir Guy slaps his son on his back. "Come!  Let us attend to Lord Graham and then return to the Banquet Hall for the feast."

They do that, rejoining Lady Roseanna, Lady Helen, and Lady Caroline still standing chatting with a sitting with a fatigued Lady Mary.

Lady Roseanna:  "There you are, Seth!" 

Lady Roseanna holds out her arms to her son and Seth leans in to kiss her cheeks as she kisses his cheek.  Seth would rather have his Mama treat him with more reserve when they are in company, as she would if he were a young man.  Seth straightens up as he leans away from her.

Seth: "Mama."  He nods his head.  Then he looks longingly at Lady Caroline, who is not looking at him.

Lady Caroline:  "And are you feeling better, Lord Graham?"  Lady Caroline smilingly takes his hand and Little Lord Graham stands by her side.

Lord Graham: "I am, Lady Caroline, thank you. And thank you, Lord Gisborne."  Little Lord Graham smiles up at the tall and imposing Sir Guy of Gisborne.  Sir Guy smiles kindly at the boy and pats his head.  Little Lord Graham is without a father or father figures.  So he likes the tall and imposing, but fatherly Sir Guy.

Lady  Roseanna:   Noticing her husband's unease, Lady Roseanna queries him in a hushed voice.  "Guy? What is the matter?"

Sir Guy: "All is well." He affirms--though it is far from the truth.  His wife will have to wait for the privacy of their bed chamber before further explanations will be forthcoming from him.

Lady Caroline: "I still do not see Sir Roderick."  She looks moonily around the room.

Seth glances at his father, whose head imperceptibly shakes a no to him. Now is not the time--if ever--for Seth to reveal what he thinks he saw.

Seth: "Hhhhh!"  Seth sighs heavily as he scowls--a mirror image of his father's oft used facial expression.

Lord Graham: "And I still do not see Mama.  Will we ever eat dinner tonight?" He is only three years old and hungry--not a good combination.  At least he is already pottied. 

***

And happily, Lord Graham receives a ready answer.

Then all heads turn as Rebecca Lady Leicester enters the Great Banquet Hall upon the arm of Sir Roderick.  Sir Guy of Gisborne looks up at them standing across the large space.  And he wonders how the knight who saved his children's lives could now seemingly be attached to their hostess, Lady Rebecca, so quickly.  Despite what Seth told him he saw, Sir Guy was inclined to believe that Seth had misunderstood because of his feelings for Lady Caroline. Now, Sir Guy wonders what secret Seth might have unknowingly uncovered.

Lady Rebecca and Sir Roderick feel the fifty pairs of eyes staring at them.  For Lady Rebecca's reputation, they must not seem on familiar or intimate terms--indifference and disdain should reflect upon their faces, and it does.  Yet them walking in together betokens some preference to those in attendance.  Then would be lovers are saved by her son little Lord Graham calling out her name and dashing to her. 

Lord Graham: "Mama!   Mama!" Little Lord Graham is creating a spectacle, as a three year old--lord or no--and he does not care.  However Seth Gisborne and Lady Caroline Havorford follow quickly behind him to keep him out of trouble.

Bending down to hug her son Lord Graham, Lady Rebecca lifts him up into her arms and he nestles into her--regardless of the wrinkle damage that he is inflicting upon the silk fabric her gown.

Seth comes screeching to a halt in front of Lady Rebecca--as does Lady Caroline behind him, her full skirt wooshing around her.

Seth: "My apologies, Lady Leicester.  Little Lord Graham was eager to see you."  Seth says politely, but he cannot help looking at Lady Rebecca with curious eyes.  Then he masks his face to one of disinterest, after slightly frowning at Sir Roderick.

Lady Caroline: "He is, My Lady."  Lady Caroline nods and she pats little Lord Graham's back. 

Then Lady Caroline smiles shyly up at the handsome Sir Roderick [(5) right]  standing respectfully off to the side, even as she absentmindedly takes Seth Gisborne's purposely offered arm.  She is smitten with Sir Roderick--and a scowling Seth knows it. But he is bidden by his Papa to say nothing of Sir Roderick's behavior nor of his character.  And Sir Roderick seeing the very young Lady Caroline take Seth Gisborne's offered arm, hopes that the young lady will turn her marital hopes to that more suitable direction.

Lady Rebecca: Lady Rebecca addresses her son in mock indignation. "What is this, young man?  I leave you in Seth Gisborne's capable hands and you slip away from him?"  She asks with a smile threatening to curl at the corners of her lips.

Sir Roderick watches Lady Rebecca's interaction with her son mesmerized.  If they had been allowed to marry, she would be holding his son now, their son.

Lord Graham: "I am sorry, Mama.  But you were not where I could see you.  And there are so many people here I do not know.  And I am hungry."  Little Lord Graham admits sheepishly as he lays his head upon her shoulder.  Little ones have simple wants--chief among them, their Mamas, chamber pots, food, and sleep.

Lady Rebecca:  "Well, I am sorry that you were unsettled, Graham.  I needed to find a quiet corner before the party starts."  Lady Rebecca explains honestly--though she leaves out the part about meeting in secret with Sir Roderick.  And she can feel her son nod his head up and down in understanding.  "Let us eat dinner, then you may go to sleep.  It is almost past your bedtime."

Seth remains silent--gritting his teeth to prevent him from revealing what he saw of Lady Rebecca and Sir Roderick to Lady Caroline.  Though Lady Caroline notices Seth arm that she is lightly holding stiffens and his hand balls into a fist, and she wonders why he seems tense.

Lord Graham.  "Hhhh!"  Little Lord Graham yawns.  "Thank you, Mama."  He is a very good little boy, polite, and remembers his manners most of the time--except when he is tired and hungry.

After settling Lord Graham with Seth, Lady Caroline, and Sir Roderick at the children's table, Lady Rebecca takes her place in the center of the head table.  Prince John is on her left, followed by the very pregnant Lady Mary Middleton and her husband Lord George Middleton, and then Fr. Bale.  To Lady Rebecca's right is the guest of honor, Sir Guy of Gisborne, his wife Lady Roseanna, then his brother Lord Archer and his wife Lady Saline, and finally, Br. Tuck. 

After a suitably short dinner blessing by Father Bale, the meal is served and everyone eats and converses freely.  The feast is sumptuous and merry as the musicians play wind and string instruments during the feast--entirely too merry on Prince John's part thinks a wary Sir Guy and his brother Lord Archer and brother-in-law Lord George.  As they await [dessert]--and ever a person to seize the moment--Prince John leans over to Lady Rebecca to comment.

Prince John: "This goose flesh was quite fine and succulent.  However did you find such plump birds?"

Lady Rebecca smiles at Prince John's obvious enjoyment of the meal, though he did not expressly tender his compliment.

Lady Rebecca: "I am glad that you enjoyed it, My Liege.  The birds are left to live full lives upon our estate, then fattened up with extra grain feedings before they are cooked for our feasts."

Sir Guy: However Sir Guy does tender his compliments to their hostess.  "The meal was delicious!  I thank you!" 

Lady Rebecca: "You are most welcome, Baron Gisborne.  I am pleased that you think so.  " She courteously addresses Sir Guy by his title a few days before the investiture.

Prince John: "Do not be hasty with Sir Guy's new title, Lady Rebecca.  His investiture is still three days away on April 2nd."

Lady Roseanna: Leaning forward, Lady Roseanna glares across her husband Sir Guy, at her cousin the Prince Regent.  "Johnny!  The royal decree for Guy's Barony was signed by King Richard one month ago.  The investiture ceremony is merely a formality."

Prince John: "Perhaps, but the investiture ceremony is a necessary formality.  Until Sir Guy receives his enrobing and swears fealty to the crown as a newly established Baron, his elevation to be Baron Gisborne is just on parchment."  Then with a lilt to his voice, Prince John adds unnervingly for Sir Guy.  "Anything can happen between now and the investiture."

All pretense of civility gone, Sir Guy's tightly coiled reserve and control crumbles.

Sir Guy: "What do you mean by that?"  Sir Guy hisses to Prince John.  He feels that Prince John is probably behind the secret plot against his life--or associated with it somehow.

Prince John: "Temper, temper, Sir Guy.  We must all behave with decorum in front of our lovely hostess, Lady Rebecca."

Lady Rebecca: "Thank you, My liege."  She smiles politely at Prince John and wincingly at Sir Guy.

Prince  John:  "And considering the terrible strain you must be under, Lady Rebecca, I marvel at your courage and fortitude. But you are young yet, and your powers of resilience are admirable."

Lady Rebecca:  "Resilience, My Lord?  What need would I have for such a quality?"  She looks at Prince John quizzically.

Prince John: "To be so young and left without your husband and the father of your children."  He relates straightforwardly.

Lady Rebecca: Lady Rebecca replies as expected with grace and poise. "We live in hope of my husband's return to us soon."

Sir Guy's eyebrow rises, given what his son Seth revealed to him about Lady Rebecca and Sir Roderick possibly having an intimate connection with each other.  But he keeps his own counsel and says nothing.  Sir Guy resolves to not even mention it to Lady Roseanna, though it is very difficult to keep a secret from her.  Then Prince John completely unnerves the head table with his next statement.

Prince John: "My apologies, Lady Rebecca.  I thought Fr. Bale had already conveyed the news to you."  Prince John looks quite startled, truly--or his practiced false courtesies have burnished his skills of seeming to be sincere, when he is not.

Lady Rebecca: "News?"  She asks with dread and turns to look at the cleric seated at the far end of the head table.

Fr. Bale:  With sincere remorse, Fr. Bale related the news that he was obligated to share--vainly trying to soften the blow.  "My lady, the information regarding your husband is uncertain.  But I had learned from King Richard when I was in France before I traveled to England with Lord Gisborne's Barony decree, that the earl, your husband John Lord Leicester, had been gravely injured in a skirmish during the final campaign of the their Crusade several months ago." 

Lady Rebecca: "No!"  She gasps in dread, for she has faithfully promised her children that their father would return to them.

Fr. Bale: "He was hit in his back by a glancing blow by a burning wooden ball that has weakened his constitution.  And sadly, an ember also entered his armour's visor, burning one eye beyond all powers of healing."

Murmurs of gasps and cries of anguish from those at the head table learning of Lord John's fate follow in the wake of Fr. Bale's revelation.  Lady Rebecca covers her mouth in shock, silently cursing her own wickedness for kissing Sir Roderick when her children's father suffered so for the crown.

Prince John: "Poor fellow!  Distasteful business, the Crusades.  You have my sympathies, My Lady.  Of course, you must go into mourning for a time, though you were not married long."  Prince John looks and says the right words of condolence [(6) right],   but his sentiments are hollow, devoid of proper feeling or sensitivity.

Fr. Bale: "I did not say that Lord John had died!"  Fr. Bale exclaims quickly.

Prince John: "But with such injuries, how could he survive?  I will send emissaries to discern the matter for you, Lady Rebecca."  And if she is now a widow, thinks Prince John, she will be a comely addition to his nobles marriage betrothal and dowry taxes schemes.  For Prince John has elaborated upon the process, him now also taking a tribute from prospective bridegrooms as he considers whom to betroth to whom. 

Lady Roseanna: "Lady Rebecca, we will pray for Lord John's recovery and for his swift return to you and your children."  Lady Roseanna says soothingly.  Then she glares daggers at her cousin. "Johnny!  Please leave Lady Rebecca to her private concerns for now."

Lady Rebecca:  Returning the kindness of her kinswoman Lady Roseanna with a smile, Lady Rebecca fervently states. "I will pray for my husband's safe return.  Our children have waited patiently to meet him.  Graham was but a baby when his father left.  And his only memories are what I have shared with him.  Our daughter Rachel was born nine months later, her never having even being held by her father." 

Lady Rebecca's eyes are brimming with tears.  Her guests at the head table believe her tears are for her injured husband and for their potentially fatherless children--and they are correct, in part. But the truth is that she worries that God is punishing her through her children, by taking their father away from them.  Lady Rebecca's freedom to love Sir Roderick would be gained at the cost of her children's anguish--and she cannot wish for that.

From his side table dining location with the Gisborne-Middleton-Locksley-Oxbridge children, Sir Roderick Merton has noticed the hushed voices and distraught faces at the head table as he gazes with concern upon Lady Rebecca's evident distress.  Would that he were allowed to go to her and comfort her, he would.  But he must bide his time and wait until he may see her this night to discover what is wrong.  Were he to do otherwise and go to her now, it would bring their newly rekindled relationship out into the open--and risk condemnation by society.

Sir Guy observes Prince John, and Lady Rebecca to see if he can discern who is being false--their Prince in telling of Lord John's fate, or Lady Rebecca in mourning it.  And with each passing moment, there seems to be new issues adding to Sir Guy's burden.  Must Sir Guy now also protect Lady Rebecca from Prince John's machinations?   And what of Sir Roderick, whose position in Sir Guy's mind is still suspect. Though Sir Roderick seemingly amiably dining with their children gets him a good mark from Sir Guy.

And Sir Guy knows that Seth will need some answers at some point to the nature of his birth now that Sir Jasper has purposely goaded Seth with a tale of his legitimacy decree five years ago.  Would that Sir Guy could decline his royally decreed Barony, quit this farce of forced celebration, and whisk his family home to safety, he would do so this night.  But that is not to be, it is too late--and he can not back out now without arousing suspicions about his reasoning. 

However, Sir Guy of Gisborne and his son Seth will ride home to Gisborne-Middleton Manor in the early morning of Saturday to determine whether all is well and not under threat of Prince John's soldier's discovering the buried Nottingham Treasure, then return to Gordon Castle in Leicester in the afternoon. 

But tonight still holds more secrets to foster--and their natures, when finally revealed, will rock the Gisborne-Middleton-Locksley-Oxbridge family to its very core.

To be continued with Chapter 10

"Sir Guy's Atonement" (Book 3), Ch. 9 References, Feb. 23, 2015 Gratiana Lovelace (Post #708)

1)  Story Logo for Sir Guy's Atonement" is a composite of:

a) Sir Guy  portrayed by Richard Armitage found at richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/RobinHood/album/seasonthree/Episodefive/slides/5_086.jpg (crop-hair-manip-hi-res); and

b) The spectre image of Lady Marian  is that of Lucy Griffiths who portrayed Lady Marian in the BBC series Robin Hood from2006-2009 and was found at Hamilton Hodell Talent Management at http://www.hamiltonhodell.co.uk/cv/client_lucy-griffiths_id_100044.htm;  image found at

thedubs-staging.com/images/hamiltonhodell/600x600FFFFFFf/_uploads/userassets/images/griffithslucynewpic11

2) Sir Guy of Gisborne in indigo tunic against Banquet Hall manip (as portrayed by Richard Armitage) in the BBC's Robin Hood series 3, episode 5 (pix 108) (2009)  was found at richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/RobinHood/album/seasonthree/Episodefive/slides/5_108; with tunic manipped from the original image of http://img3.etsystatic.com/004/1/6566908/il_fullxfull.386289903_51ms.jpg ; Masked upon Medieval Italian Banquet Hall themed image was found on Pinterest at https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/e0/9e/68/e09e68168d3c8bf840a19556ea1552ef.jpg

3) Seth Gisborne at 10 years image is a manip composite of:
a) actor Tommy Bastow's head,  the young actor who later portrayed the young Sir Guy in the BBC's Robinhood, series 3, "Bad Blood" (2009) was found at http://www.listal.com/viewimage/2338634; for more about this actor, visit http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2921012/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1; and

b) A daytime tunic (manipped blue to be a dessy tunic) found at http://pixgood.com/medieval-fashion-men.html and made navy blue;
c) Masked upon Medieval Italian Banquet Hall themed image was found on Pinterest at https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/e0/9e/68/e09e68168d3c8bf840a19556ea1552ef.jpg

4) Sir Jasper smiling maliciously is Lee Ross in the BBC drama Robinhood, Series 2, Walkabout episode and was found at richardarmitagecentral.co.uk/main.php?g2_itemId=52433

5) Sir Roderick Merton is Chris Hemsworth in a still from Thor the Dark World (manip with left arm sling hidden under cape) that was found at  http://cdn.collider.com/wp-content/uploads/thor-the-dark-world-chris-hemsworth6.jpg; for more information, visit http://collider.com/thor-2-dark-world-images/

6) Prince John frowning image (crop) is Toby Stephens in the BBC's Robinhood (2009) season 3, epi 6, pix 95 that was found at  http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/RobinHood/album/seasonthree/Episodesix/slides/ep6_0095.jpg

Sir Guy's Atonement" (Book 3), Ch. 9 Blog link (Post #706)

http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2015/02/23/sir-guys-atonement-book-3-ch-9-pg-13-d-secrets-and-lies-february-23-2015-gratiana-lovelace-post-708/