"Sir Guy's Dilemma" (Book 2), by Gratiana Lovelace, 2012-2013

"Sir Guy's Dilemma", Ch. 14--Transitions, Travel, and Trouble, Oh My!

“Sir Guy’s Dilemma”,  Ch. 14--Transitions, Travel, and Trouble, Oh My!  1/18/13 Gratiana Lovelace

(An Original Fan Fiction adaptation of the characters from the BBC’s Robin Hood;  & a Sequel to “Guy’s Rose” by Gratiana Lovelace)

(All Rights Reserved; No copyright infringement intended)

[From time to time, I will illustrate my story with my dream cast of:  Richard Armitage as Sir Guy, Clive Standen as Lord Archer, Emma Watson as Lady Rose, etc.]

[Story Logo 1ab]

Author’s Mature Content Note:  “Sir Guy’s Dilemma” 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 (R rated) and some passages involving highly dramatic moments.  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:  A pleasant Friday midday dinner with betrothal couple confidences being shared--but not with their partner--and Seth winning a pony from Lord Havorford in a croquet match were delightful.  But the aftermath of Lord Archer seeking Lady Saline out in the hedge garden, comforting her distress at her arranged marriage to Lord George, and them sharing their first kisses as forbidden would be lovers interrupted by her father Lord Talkington’s seething anger cast a pall over the rest of the day that the three of them tried valiantly to mask as anything but what it was--guilt tinged with shame by the two would be lovers, Lord Archer and Lady Saline.

“Sir Guy’s Dilemma”,  Ch. 14-- Transitions, Travel, and Trouble, Oh My! 

After breaking their fast the next morning on Saturday--a working meal consisting of Sir Guy going over the Middleton estate accounts and land management issues with Lord George--Sir Guy, Lord George and Dawson tour the larger Middleton Estates that are Lord George’s property as Sir Guy hands over the reins of their control to Lord George.   Lord Archer slept in--still brooding over the hostile chill emanating from Lady Saline’s father, Lord Talkington.

Sir Guy:  After seeing how awkwardly Lord George mounted his horse for their ride--ultimately relying on the steps that ladies use, he asks considerately.  “Are you sure that you will be comfortable riding your horse, George?  Would you not be more comfortable in a carriage as we tour the estates?”

Lord George:  “Thanks Guy.  But I can’t abide carriages--much too bumpy.”  He tilts his head at his left arm in a sling.”

Dawson:  “Begging your pardon, Milords.  Did you wish to see the Millers since we come upon those tenants first?  Though, they are tenants of yours Sir Guy and not of Lord George.  Or shall we go to the far end of the Middleton Estates property first as usual?”

Lord George:  “Dawson, is it?  Let’s just tour the tenant farms as we come upon them.”  He tilts his head officiously, trying to take charge already.

Sir Guy:  “With respect, Lord George.  Our habit is to start at the farthest point of the estate and work our way back to the manor.  In that way, we will not have far to go for our rest after a long day of touring.  And you might especially appreciate that with your injured arm.”  It is a logical and perfectly reasonable way to approach things to Sir Guy--and to anyone else for that matter.

Lord George:  “I’m never one to worry about tiring myself out--probably because I am quite a bit younger than you, Guy.”  He unintentionally insults his 15 years older brother-in-law.  Lord George has that habit of giving offence rather breezily--and that will one day come back to bite him in his … well, what he rides upon.  “But, as you say, I am injured.  So, let us proceed with your plan, Guy.”