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face is the worst," Simon said complacently. |
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"I have heard more modest statements than that in my life," Kicva commented dryly. |
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"Is not honesty the best policy?" Simon rejoined provocatively. |
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Rhiannon held her head. "Is this what you wish me to marry, Mother? Do you really desire that I spend my whole life with a man who believes himself God's gift to womankind?" |
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"I have always known that to err brings punishment." Kicva shook her head and smiled as she rose to her feet. "It was a mistake to open my mouth and thrust myself between you two. I have been battered enough. Now, before this grain of wheat is ground to flour between the upper and nether millstones, I will slip away. I leave you to the fate you have sought, Simon, and you to the one you deserve, my dear daughter." |
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"She means," Simon said, opening his eyes wide to manufacture an expression of surprised wonder, "that both of us will be blessed by great happiness." |
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"I know her better," Rhiannon remarked. "She thinks the fool will gain a shrew to wifewhich will not improve either of them." |
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But both knew better than they spoke, and Rhiannon did not draw her hand from Simon's. Nor did she even look doubtful when her mother bade a servant fetch her writing desk and set it on a stand by a window. Since it was clear that Kicva meant to write and tell Llewelyn his plan had succeeded so far as a betrothal, Simon was quite content. He leaned forward and kissed Rhiannon briefly, then released her hand. Without more ado, both began eating again. |
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After a few minutes and a glance at her mother, Rhiannon asked, "What is your family, Simon?" |
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Between bites Simon began to describe his relatives, but. Rhiannon soon shook her head. She had asked a |
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