Maid of Sherwood Read Free Page B

tomorrow!”
    “Shhhh…” Marian stifled her laughter. “That is unkind. It is not your aunt’s fault she is the way she is. Besides, I cannot come tomorrow. Mother wants to take me shopping. She claims I need more gowns.”
    “You do.” Will shrugged when Marian wrinkled her nose at him.
    “Good night, Will.”  Marian walked down the nearly empty street. The only people left were a few shop owners, locking their doors behind them as they left for the evening. It always amazed her how quickly the town turned silent once night fell, but she knew that would change within the next two days, as people from surrounding towns and villages gathered to celebrate May Day.
     

 
    Chapter Three:
     
    “Are you ready yet?” Mother knocked on Marian’s bedroom door. “We need to leave soon if we are to purchase all our fabrics.”
    Marian pulled the door open. “I am ready.”
    Mother gasped. “Oh, no you are not.” She gestured to the breeches and tunic Marian wore. “You will not go into town wearing those, Marian du Luc!”
    “None of my gowns fit,” Marian protested.
    “Then we will make one fit,” Mother said. “I will not allow you to disgrace our bloodlines by parading around in those .”
    “I have worn them in town before, Mother.”
    The look on Mother’s face was implacable. “But not now. Not when everyone knows we are purchasing materials for court gowns.”
    “But—”
    “No, Marian. Change. Now.”
    Marian grumbled under her breath, but did as instructed. The soft blue wool gown she chose was beautiful in its simplicity. Too bad, she thought, it does not fit. She drew in a deep breath and released it slowly once Mother had lowered it over her head.
    “I. Cannot. Breathe.” Marian gasped.
    Mother tugged at the sleeves on the gown. “Stop exaggerating. It is a bit tight, but you will not faint.” She bent down and helped Marian into her shoes. “There. Now you look presentable.”
    And uncomfortable, Marian thought but did not dare say aloud. Her breasts strained against the fabric with every short breath she took and she felt as though her ribcage was trying to escape the confines of her body.
    “We shall visit the seamstress last,” Mother said. “That way, we can give her all our fabric choices, fit you for all your gowns, and see to your final May Queen fitting.” She smiled at Marian, her eyes sparkling. “It will be a fun day, Mari. You will see.”
    Marian was fairly sure it wouldn’t be, at least not for her, but she smiled and nodded her agreement. Mother was a force of nature and once she made a decision there was no changing her mind. Whether Marian enjoyed it or not, her day would be spent looking at fabrics and being poked and prodded.
    “You will need jewels, as well.” Mother said, following Marian into the hall. “Be sure to include Guinvere’s hair comb. Not only will it garner the proper attentions at court, but it is truly one of the loveliest pieces you own.”
    The instruction was unnecessary. The jeweled comb was one of Marian’s treasures and she prized it highly.
    “On second thought,” Mother continued. “I think we shall have to purchase those ready-made gowns Vernice’s shop carries. Three days will not be enough time to ensure you have the necessary gowns to make the correct impression.”
    “Who am I supposed to impress?” Marian huffed. “I thought we were going simply to show our support.”
    “Even so. There are always those at court who wish to undermine in hopes of gaining royal influence.” Mother shot Marian a penetrating glance over her shoulder. “Did something happen to you in the woods?”
     “Why would you ask that?” Marian stalled answering.
    “You are not arguing.” Mother smiled to take the sting from her words, stopped walking and turned to face her daughter. “If something happened, it is important you tell me,” she said.
    It was the most serious Marian had ever seen her. “No, nothing happened,” she lied.
    Mother