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Page 267
Although she and Ian had not thought of it, this was clearly the only marriage possible for Simon. They had offered enough English heiresses to him, God knew, and he had set his jaw and said he would never marry. In fact, despite their pleasure in Llewelyn's proposal, both had been a trifle hurt that their son was more obedient to his overlord than to them. Alinor had understood, as soon as she saw Ian come into the hall with one arm around Rhiannon and his face glowing with happiness, that the girl was Simon's choice and had not been forced on him. Now she barely restrained laughter. Simon certainly would get what he deserved: good properties and a woman who would never really surrender, so that all his life he would need to pursue her.
"Different lands, different customs," Alinor said, referring to Rhiannon's description of Kicva's ownership of her property, "and customs change with time also. My dear, we have enough to worry about in considering what foolishness Winchester may lead the king to do. Your father and my husband are agreed on the marriage. Let matters stand thus until we have time and peace to study private troubles more closely."
"I am very willing for that," Rhiannon replied with a sigh of relief.
She had feared that Simon's mother would be angry, would accuse her of using Simon to further her father's political purposes. Nonetheless, she could not bear to be so warmly welcomed on false pretenses. Now that she had told all the truth, she had the right to enjoy the interest and excitement offered by contact with the family of Roselynde keep.
It was all new and different. At Angharad's Hall, she and Kicva were usually in basic agreement. Even when she was opposed and angry, all the anger was her own. Most of the time, though, they were only two, and it was quiet talk that took place there. Rhiannon was also familiar with the crowd, color, and movement,

 
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