Flann creased his brow and said, “But yours is nice. Mine is just an old work shirt.”
Daniel laughed as he pulled on the shirt and began buttoning it up. “I’ve got plenty more where that came from. Keep it.”
Flann nodded gratefully and led them into the house to meet his wife. After the greetings were done and a drink was offered for both, the conversation began.
“Elsa,” said Daniel. “We belong to a group called the Freemen. We represent people who want to be free from oppression. And we’ve come here to ask a favor.”
She nodded.
Robin then took over the conversation and said, “I have a story to tell. It’s a story about a king named Edmund, his son Jonathan, and a plan to have no more kings.”
Elsa smiled. “I’ve heard of that plan.”
Robin told her everything, all about Edmund’s plan, how Rupert had poisoned him, and ending with the servants and Legionnaires escaping to save their lives. She noticed that Elsa didn’t act surprised but just sat and listened.
After a while, Elsa said, “I remember King Edmund and his son. I remember how he was against having another king rule and wanted to change all that.” A tear dropped to her cheek. “He was a good man and so was his son. We all hoped Jonathan would come back and rule over the land but it was too late. Rupert had taken over.”
“We want to change all that,” said Daniel. “We plan on replacing Rupert with a good righteous man.”
“But how can you do that? All the aristocrats believe in him. He has too many followers.”
Robin answered with firm resolve, “By using the testimony of the servant who had the poison tested. She will testify to a large group of people what she knows to be a fact. If we can convince the people about what kind of person he really is, then Rupert will be outnumbered and will have to step down. If he doesn’t, this means war and we’re prepared to fight.”
Elsa creased her brow curiously. “Why did you come to me?”
Daniel took over and said, “A friend of a friend told us that you might know where she lives.” He smiled reassuringly. “Will you help us?”
Elsa nodded.
“Are you that servant, Elsa?”
She shook her head. “No. I remember the day Hanna found out about the poison. She told all of us, even the Legionnaires, but it was too late. I don’t know exactly where Hanna is living right now but I do know which town she’s in. I saw her a few months ago and we visited for a long time. She told me that she’s been working as a maid for some aristocrat in Georgetown. She’s been there for thirty years. She likes it there ‘cause she makes more money.”
Daniel put a hand on Elsa’s and smiled. “Thank you so much. We really appreciate this.”
She smiled back and said, “Are you hungry? I was about to serve Flann something to eat. We have plenty.”
Daniel looked at Robin and she nodded. It sounded better than the cheese and fruit she had packed in the cart.
“We accept,” he nodded. “What can we do to help?”
“Just set the table. That’s all.”
As Robin got the plates from the cupboard and chatted with Elsa, she glanced at Daniel as he conversed with Flann.
Elsa smiled and leaned toward her and said, “You’ve got yourself a real nice lookin’ man there.”
Robin looked at Daniel. Then she shook her head and said, “No, he’s not my nice looking man.”
Elsa laughed. “Oh? You could have fooled me. I’ve been watchin’ him and he keeps glancin’ at ya with great interest. Either he’s very concerned whether he’ll get his meal or he’s enamored with you.”
“Enamored?” Robin shook her head. “No. He just likes me. We’re friends.”
“Friends?” laughed Elsa. “You can try and convince yourself of that, but just look at the way he watches you next time and you’ll see what I mean. And I suspect you feel the same way, too.”
“Is supper ready?” interrupted Flann. “I’m famished.”
Robin noticed how Daniel glanced at her and smiled as Flann spoke. Could Elsa be right? Was he really enamored with her?
Chapter 11
That evening a meeting was called. Merek, Andrew, and Robin sat on one side of the table while Daniel and his men sat on the other. Ever since the meeting was called to order, Merek had a wide grin on his face. He knew something and was about to explode if he wasn’t given the chance to speak up.
“All right,” said Daniel. “I think we should hear what Merek has to say. He’s too fidgety to wait any longer.”
Merek grinned as he looked at the group and said, “I hear say that Robin and his rebels were out today and frightened a couple soldiers. They said they were completely surrounded. Well, I know I wasn’t there. Do you know anything about this, Robin?”
She held back a smile and asked, “How do they know they were surrounded?”
Merek cleared his throat dramatically and said, “Cause Robin stepped out from the forest and stood before them with such boldness that they knew they were surrounded. The interestin’ thing is Robin has a deep threatening voice that really scared them. They knew they had no chance if they fought back.” Then he narrowed his eyes and said, “You don’t have a deep threatening voice, Robin Marie.”
Andrew turned to Robin and said soberly, “Is this true? You stepped out of the forest all by yourself with no rebels to back you up?”
Daniel quickly spoke up in her defense. “They believed they were surrounded, sir. You could see the fear in their eyes. When the soldiers saw her step out of the woods, they instantly dropped their muskets and fled. You should have seen it.”
Everyone stared at her with disbelief for a few moments and then broke into unexpected laughter. They knew Robin and she was so spontaneous. This did not surprise Merek and Andrew one bit.
Robin smiled as she watched everyone chuckling and wiping their eyes from the laughter.
Daniel finally raised his hand in the air to begin the meeting. “We found out where Edmund’s servant lives, the one we’re looking for.”
This quieted everyone.
“Where?” asked Andrew.
“She lives in Georgetown and works as a maid. Her name is Hanna but I’m sure she isn’t going by that name. I think the best thing to do next is for all of us to look around Georgetown, ask questions, and listen to gossip.”
Simon smiled as he stretched his arms above his head and said boastingly, “I know a few good-lookin’ women who work for the aristocrats. I’ll talk to ‘em.”
“You do?” asked Miles. “Why haven’t you introduced them to me?”
Everyone laughed and joked around, telling Simon that he was a great catch for any woman.
After a moment, Andrew looked at Daniel curiously. “How did you get Elsa to trust you enough to talk?”
Daniel told them what he had done to gain Flann and Elsa’s confidence and everyone began laughing once again.
Andrew slapped him on the back and chuckled. “When Robin told me about your interest in our group of rebels and how you wanted us to join you, I knew it was the right thing to do.”
Daniel smiled and gave a shrug. “It wasn’t that big of a deal. I just had to chop wood for about an hour. That was all.”
“An hour!” burst out Andrew as he shook his head.
Simon and Merek were both in shock as their mouths dropped open.
“Hey, I got an old used shirt out of the deal,” said Daniel proudly as he showed everyone the hole in the elbow of his white shirt.
Robin was amused as she smiled and said, “Well, is there anything else we should discuss?”
When Andrew shook his head, the meeting was dismissed.
***
As Daniel walked Robin home, she told him that her father would not be searching for the servant because he couldn’t close down the Bakery for the day, but he would continue talking to his customers and find out what he could.
Then she said, “I won’t be going either because I don’t know anyon
e in Georgetown. It would look very odd if I went wandering down the street, asking questions about maids and servants. I don’t want to arouse any suspicion.”
Daniel laughed and said, “Don’t worry. You’re coming with me to visit my friends in Georgetown as my long lost cousin.”
Robin smiled. “Long lost cousin?”
He nodded. “Then while you’re chatting with my friends and keeping them busy, I’ll excuse myself and head for the kitchen to talk to the help.”
She snickered. “Are you going to offer to chop their wood for them, too?”
Daniel grinned and said teasingly, “No, I’m going to cook something grand for them.”
When Robin saw the humor in his eyes, she giggled.
“Well, I’ll let you go,” said Daniel when he came upon the large oak tree in front of her home. “You’ve had a big day. You’ve frightened a couple soldiers, saved a man from prison, and enjoyed the company of Elsa and Flann.”
He hesitated for a moment, as if he wanted to say something but chose not to. Instead he smiled at her and then turned to leave.
Instantly Robin placed her hand on his arm and said, “Wait!”
Daniel turned around and looked at her curiously.
Robin’s heart was pounding against her chest as she looked at him. She had to ask. She just had to. The curiosity was too great. What Elsa had told her had been weighing on her mind ever since she arrived back home.
“What is it?” Daniel asked with a raised brow.
“Elsa said something.”
He nodded. “What did she say?”
“She said that…” Robin hesitated.
“Go on,” he encouraged, filled with great curiosity.
“Well, I said that it wasn’t true. It couldn’t possibly be…”
Daniel nodded.
“Well, she said it was true and I said that we were just friends and she said…”
Daniel grinned as he placed his finger against her lips. He then pulled her behind the large oak tree and looked into her eyes as he said, “Yes, it’s true.”
“It is?” Robin asked with stunned surprise.
He smiled. “I heard everything Elsa was saying. Yes, I was eavesdropping, but I couldn’t help it. Elsa’s conversation was so much more interesting than her husband’s.”
“It’s true?” asked Robin with amazement. “Do you know what I’m referring to?”
Daniel nodded as he pressed her shoulders against the tree trunk and kissed her lightly on the lips. “The day I met you was really something,” said Daniel. “I remember thinking that I must have done something grand, some time in my life, to have met such a lovely lady. And you were my reward.”
“Really?” said Robin with disbelief.
He nodded and said, “Why is it so hard to believe?”
Seeing the timid expression on her face, he could tell she was unsure of what he said. He smiled, took her face in his hands, and kissed her lips once again. His eyes held hers for a long moment and he noticed how her eyes softened as he gazed at her. He could not help himself. She was so sweet. So he gathered her into his arms and kissed her warm delectable lips. It didn’t take long for her to respond to his kiss. With a sigh, she melted into his arms.
As his lips caressed hers, he felt Robin wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him right back. Her closeness and mutual kiss made his heart leap within him. When Robin began threading her fingers through his hair, warmth enveloped him and he instantly pulled her tight against his chest and deepened his kiss.
As he ran his hand along her back, caressing her and kissing her neck tenderly, she softly gasped, like she had done once before in the woods. He knew his kisses were affecting Robin Marie, so he gradually released her, knowing it was time to stop.
Daniel looked into her flushed face and softened eyes. Then he smiled and said breathlessly, “I should go now.”
Robin licked her lips and nodded, not knowing what to say.
He took her face in his hands, smiled tenderly, and then kissed her lightly upon the lips a couple times. “Yes, Elsa was right. I’m enamored with you. You fascinate me and I’m not sure why.”
Robin swallowed and said, “Really?”
He smiled. “Completely and without doubt.”
The softness in her eyes touched his heart and he knew she felt the same way about him. He squeezed her hand affectionately and bid her farewell. Then he turned on his heals and left.
Robin watched him walk to the side of the house where he had left his horse to graze that morning. She realized that she had definitely lost her heart. There was no question about it.
As he rode away upon his horse, she smiled and remembered what he had said. “I must have done something grand to have met such a lovely lady. And you were my reward.”
Chapter 12
The following morning, Daniel picked Robin up in a fine carriage. He thought it would be best since they were going to Georgetown. It was a completely different atmosphere than the villages around. Many aristocrats lived there.
Throughout the day, they visited his friends and neighbors. It became routine after a while. They would visit for about twenty minutes, then he would excuse himself and allow Robin to take over the conversation while he questioned the servants, hoping to find information about Hanna. No one seemed to know a thing or they weren’t saying.
At a few places, he was a bit worried to leave her alone with his male friends. The men seemed extra interested in Robin Marie, which annoyed him greatly. One asked her to a formal party that was being held the following week. Another flirted shamelessly with Robin, which aggravated Daniel to no end. Another friend had whispered, “Why didn’t you tell me that you had such a beautiful and intriguing cousin? How long is she staying?”
At the last home, when he came back from questioning the kitchen staff, he saw his friend sitting beside Robin. He had taken her hand in his and was talking softly. He had to remind himself that he could not show any jealousy.
He quickly interrupted the cozy little scene between Robin and his friend. “It’s time to leave, Marie. Are you ready?”
He could see that she was relieved to see him as she pulled her hand from his friend’s tight grasp.
“When can I see you again?” asked the young man.
Robin’s eyes widened, unsure what to say.
Daniel interrupted. “She’s not staying long. Sorry.”
Then he whisked her out the door.
As he helped her into the carriage, Robin asked, “Why were you taking so long?”
“Why were you holding his hand?” he retorted.
She smiled. “You’re not jealous, are you?”
“Me? Of course not.” He climbed into the carriage, trying to ignore that he really was. “What were you talking about?”
She shrugged, enjoying his concern about her. “Oh, nothing. He was doing all the talking. I was listening.”
Daniel knew he was tired and was taking this all too seriously. They needed to have a little respite, so he whipped the reins and said, “Do you want to meet my father? He doesn’t live far from here.”
Robin beamed. “Yes. I would love to.”
When Daniel saw the happiness in her countenance, he realized that was a good choice after a long day of visiting friends. It was time to relax. He didn’t realize it was so late until he noticed the street lamps had been lit. As they pulled up to his home, he glanced at her and saw the surprised look on her face.
“This is your home?” exclaimed Robin.
“Uh-huh,” he said matter-of-factly.
Robin was shocked. She was used to living in a modest looking home with all the necessities that a Baker could provide his family. But this was a mansion!
“Well,” he said softly. “I know it looks a bit prestigious. But that isn’t the person I am. This is my father’s life style. It’s not mine.”
Robin understood what he was saying, to not judge him by his home. But for some reason she felt a bit intimidated a
nd uncomfortable.
He helped her down from the carriage and they walked inside the large edifice. She was in awe as she saw the high ceiling and fancy staircase. Beautiful pictures adorned the walls.
When a servant quickly walked toward Daniel, he said, “Hello, Anna. Please tell father that I want to see him.”
After she left, he led Robin into a room filled with fancy furniture with beautiful candelabras here and there to give light in the room. There was also a magnificent fireplace.
She turned to look at Daniel, trying to figure out whom he really was. He suddenly seemed different to her. Robin remembered how he had told her that his family was well off, but it didn’t dawn on her how wealthy they really were.
Seeing the uneasy look on Robin’s face, Daniel took her hand in his and squeezed it. “If you don’t want to stay, we can leave.”
Robin shook her head. “No, I’m fine.”
“Hello, Daniel,” said an elderly gentleman as he walked in the room. “I see you have brought along a guest with you.”
Daniel put his hand about her waist and nodded. “This is Robin Marie, Father.”
Daniel’s father walked up to Robin and shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. What do they call you? Robin or Marie?”
She smiled. “My father calls me Robin. Your son calls me Marie. It’s up to you.”
He smiled. “Then I’ll call you Marie. You may call me Charles. I have a middle name, too, but I prefer Charles.”
He took her away from his son and led her to the sofa. He was a tall man with dark hair and broad shoulders. She noticed that he was graying at the temples. They sat down and Charles proceeded in getting acquainted with her.
“So, you’ve lived here all your life?”
Robin nodded.
“You’re such a beautiful young thing. I’m surprised someone hasn’t caught you by now.”
“Caught me?” She smiled. “Oh, I can run fast.”
“You can?” Charles said with humor lacing his eyes as he glanced at his son. “My wife was a fast runner, too. It took me a while to get her to notice me. At first she wasn’t interested because I was just a stable hand and she didn’t want to become interested in a person who worked with horses.”
The Rebels of Cordovia Page 7