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outlaw life, of fleeing and hiding and lying concealed, made me long for adventure of my own. Annie asked if Robin Hood were not a very handsome fellow, and our guard replied that he had heard it said. I needed no more to light my fancy, for in those days I relished nothing better than the thought of clandestine romance with any man other than Hugh.
    These thoughts were like sweet blackberry wine, thick and intoxicating. But when at last the tale had ended, I forced myself to once more take an interest in what passed to my right and left, for these were the lands I had traveled to see. And I was glad when I looked upon the soft landscape of Denby-upon-Trent. It was a beautiful place, full of clear, fast-running streams and everywhere decked with primrose and snowdrops. I was enchanted.
    To my eye its lush fields, winding hedgerows, bold maples and hawthorns were the very idea of rural perfection, and I thrilled to see farmers laboring over the earth that I knew, at root, belonged to me. I did not question the notion that a girl of my age should own the rocks and dirt, for all of my peers owned their own acreage and thought no more of it than one would think of owning a purse or a book of poems.
    The River Trent itself was visible from much of the countryside, and as we rode I began to feel akin to it, for I knew its smooth and glassy surface camouflaged a robust current. This was a trick I struggled to learn for myself, to keep my thoughts deep beneath my smile. I watched the river often, hoping to learn what I could of its art.
    So occupied was I with this delightful prospect that I scarcely noticed the plow, the oxen, the farmers, and seed bags. It was the space that held my eye, the manor house that stood so tall in every town, the mills and churches that dotted the landscape. And when at last we reached Denby Manor, the great keep of Sir Thomas, I was in raptures over its strength and beauty. Such grandeur I had not expected, and I believe Sir Thomas found me in a more admiring mood than I was generally wont to enjoy.
    I was taken to see him in the keep’s great hall, where he sat with his clerks going through accounts. He was positioned at the end in a tall oak chair, spread round with cloaks of velvet and silk. Our first encounter was truly awkward, for although I curtsied and he bowed, neither of us was sure how much reverence was due the other, and neither was willing to give more than the proper share. I was surprised by the elegance of his attire, since, lovely as the area was, it was still a rural zone and far from the fashionable courts. And yet Sir Thomas wore gold and jewels such as I have rarely seen beyond a duke.
    His jerkin and hose, disappointingly blue rather than apple red, were woven through with golden threads, and his pointed-toe shoes were also stitched with gold embroidery. Ermine lined his collar and cuffs, rung his velvet cap, and skirted the bottom edge of his tunic. A heavy gold chain hung round his neck and various gems were sprinkled like dewdrops across the cap. I was surprised, as I say, and slightly ashamed to see this, my regent, dressed more richly than I—though I too wore my brightest ornaments. He seemed, therefore, not only more luxurious than he had on our first meeting, but also somehow taller and larger, due, I supposed, to his high seat and the fact that he had grown even more rotund in these past few years.
    At last we both were seated, and I began a frank discussion.
    “Sir Thomas, how good it was of you to allow my visit. I have seen a great deal of Denby already and am quite delighted with its landscape.”
    “Indeed, Lady Marian, it is a beautiful spot. Any person with an eye attuned to beauty and art, as yours must be, cannot help but be transfixed by it.” His face was round like a flattened plum, bland and pale as egg on toast.
    “Yes, truly, that is the case. Can you tell me, Sir Thomas, what sort of people inhabit the land?”
    “Oh, the usual common sort. Farmers,