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Page 250
heel if he intended to use that device. We should have had the contract written at oncebut I did not know what to put in it. No, that is only an excuse. I thought only of being here with you."
Rhiannon sat up also, but she was smiling slightly. "I do not think your bemusement will have caused any delay. My father's wits are not so lightly beclouded, and I am sure he is as aware of the need for haste as you. Did you not notice how swiftly my mother went to reply to him?"
"I thought that was to keep you from changing your mind."
"I am not much given to changing my mind," Rhiannon said, but there was no sharpness in the words, and she leaned closer to kiss Simon's shoulder.
He did not need more invitation and soon they were coupled again, working more slowly and sweetlyas was usual for the second timetoward a rich flowering of satisfaction. Nonetheless, as soon as they had caught their breaths, Simon and Rhiannon rose and dressed. They knew the sweet idyll was ended. They would not enjoy their love less in the future, but in these few days the love had come first.
It was as if they had wandered over hillsides and forest-land, examining sections of the countryside to find those that would best serve as a backdrop for their passion. Henceforward other things would come first. Love would bring surcease from worry and tension, would sweeten life and make islands of joy but they would no longer see the shape of the land only in terms of love.
After dressing they went back to Angharad's Hall. On the way they decided that it would be best to go to Llewelyn so that they would be ready for whatever he decided was best. Neither was very pleased with this notion. It would be difficult at best and impossible at worst to find any privacy for themselves, but

 
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