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it was impossible, times being what they were, that this should not happen. |
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The unromantic quality of their conversation gave Sybelle neither doubts nor regrets. Actually, she did not regard it as unromantic. Although Walter spoke of lands and whether it was better to have an extra stronghold rather than rich farms and a lake plentiful in fish, his expression and the occasional touch he allowed himself on her arm or shoulder or face were a constant proclamation of his desire. Sybelle found that the subtle caresses, which probably were entirely unrecognizable to anyone except herself, were far more to her taste and far more exciting than overt words of love. She was, in fact, growing very eager for the marriage and the consummation that would come with it. |
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Walter was no less eager for that marriage, but he was more clear-sighted about the probability of its taking place in the immediate future. He was aware that Richard and Prince Llewelyn were more often than not absent from events devised to amuse and occupy the wedding guests. Not long after Richard had run his courses against Ian in the jousts, the earl had disappeared. And although both Richard and Llewelyn were present at the opening of the melee and were there when the trumpets sounded the close of the action, Walter had not been so taken up with the battle that he did not notice that both men had slipped away for a substantial span of time. |
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He and Simon had taken advantage of the event in the same way to requestion Efan and go over together his description of what was taking place at Monmouth. Although Simon had been correct in saying Efan had no more to tell than he had already transmitted to Walter, Walter's greater familiarity with the area had indicated that the patrols Efan reported were not only defensive. It seemed very likely to Walter that if Richard did not soon move to assault Monmouth again, John of Monmouth would make some move of his own. He might plan to attack Usk or Abergavenny, but Walter thought it more likely that he would try to pass around or between those formidable strongholds and attack some easier target. |
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Thus, despite Geoffrey's assurances that the king would soon be persuaded to come to terms with Richard, Walter had little hope of an early marriage. This conviction did nothing to assuage his physical frustration, nor did the family understanding of his betrothal help because this, though unspoken, |
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