"Guy's Rose" (Book 1), by Gratiana Lovelace, 2012

"Guy's Rose" Ch. 35--The Palace Learns Incomplete News about Nottingham

“Guy’s Rose” Ch. 35--The Palace Learns Incomplete News about Nottingham, 10/28/12  Gratiana Lovelace (wattpad)

An Original Fan Fiction Script Story Adaptation of the BBC’s “Robin Hood, Series 3”

(no copyright infringement is intended; all rights reserved)

[(1abc) “Guy’s Rose” story graphic]

Author’s Scheduling Note:  My “Guy’s Rose” story is almost at its close.   It will continue being serialized here for a few more chapters, until it concludes with Ch. 40.  Links to earlier chapters are found after the image references. 

“Guy’s Rose” Chapter 35--Sunday Morning, the Palace in London Learns Incomplete  News about Nottingham

Despite her daily seclusion while she awaits news of her beloved husband Sir Guy of Gisborne, this Sunday morn, Lady Roseanna [(2) right] is obliged to attend Sunday Mass with her cousin Prince John.  All through the church services, Lady Roseanna uneasily feels that her cousin Prince John has been overly cheerful.  Johnny does not like going to church--except for the show of it.  What is he up to she wonders?  Then at the mid day meal, Lady Roseanna finds out what has caused his cheery mood as Prince John relates some news from Nottingham. 

Prince John:  Standing to make a speech and motioning everyone to sit back down because they had also stood up, he announces.  “My Lords and Ladies, I have some momentous news from Nottingham this morn that I am gladdened to share with you.”

News?  Lady Roseanna had not seen any messengers or new people about.  How could he know anything?  But, he is just about to tell her and the others as she looks up at him quizzically. Prince John motions to his aide who hands him a slip of paper.

Aide:  “Sire.”  He says respectfully bowing his head as he backs away from him.

Prince John:  “I have received news from Sheriff Vasey of Nottingham that he had routed the outlaws and retaken Nottingham castle yesterday.”  He pauses for effect, then says dramatically.  “Robin Hood … is dead--as is the traitor, Sir Guy of Gisborne.”  Prince John [(3) right] says this last bit almost as an afterthought.  But then he looks down at his cousin Lady Roseanna with a faint but malicious smile.  Sir Guy’s fear of Lady Rose hearing prematurely of his death is proven correct.

Frozen at what she has just heard--her husband Sir Guy is dead--Lady Roseanna pales and begins to tear up.  But she clings to a faint hope that her love, Guy, still lives.  He can’t be dead.  Her heart cannot believe he is gone--surely she would feel his passing, as if her heart had been torn in two.

Lady Roseanna:  Standing shakily, Lady Roseanna counters in a slightly quavering voice.  “This cannot be true, Sire.  How do you know this?  A messenger has not come to the palace.” 

Prince John:  “Ah, but it is true.  The sheriff sent us a message yesterday morn by a homing pigeon after taking control of Nottingham Castle.  It is certain my Lady Rose.  So, we shall have to find you a new fiancé after all.”  He makes a joke--that no one laughs at.

Lady Roseanna looks bereft as she gazes at her cousin Prince John and she leans on the dining table for support.  It is as if her world is crashing down around her.  Lady Roseanna searches Prince John’s eyes for the truth of what he says--and she realizes that he is telling her the truth.  Lady Roseanna then gathers her courage and reveals her secret--her and Sir Guy’s secret--to her cousin and all assembled.

Lady Roseanna:  “Nay Johnny.  I am already married--to Sir Guy.   I am Lady Gisborne--and you have made me his widow.”

The assembled nobles gasp audibly.