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Page 151
agree that Walter should go to Knight's Tower in person, but if he did, he would doubtless suggest safeguards so that the castellan could not do Walter any harm.
The relief she felt brought higher color into Sybelle's face and made her eyes glow even brighter than usual. This glowing countenance was the first close view that Marie had of Lord Geoffrey's daughter, and her immediate reaction was fury. How was it possible that Walter should be interested only in the girl's dowry? Walter had deliberately been making a fool of her, Marie thought. Nonetheless, the words she had planned to say came automatically from her mouth.
"Good afternoon, Sir Walter. I have come to relieve your companion so that she, too, may have the pleasure of dancing."
"Lady Marie!"
The exclamation seemed more of surprise than of welcome, which did nothing to improve Marie's temper, but the smile she had from Sybelle was warm. She does not wish to be alone with him, Marie thought. She will go away and seek a dancing partner. Marie felt a spiteful satisfaction from intruding and spoiling whatever plans Walter had had for winning the girl and her lands. However, Sybelle did not move away.
"You must be Lord Pembroke's sister-by-marriage," Sybelle said. "I am glad to meet you. I am very sorry that you should have come to this country in such troubled times. It must be lonely for you, pent up in a place where you can see few people."
"True," Marie replied, "but you have the advantage over me. I do not know who you are."
"I beg your pardon." Walter bowed an apology. He had been watching Sybelle too closely to pick up his cue, but he was still not certain whether she had heard anything of his flirtation. "Lady Marie de les Maures, let me present you to Lady Sybelle Alinor Ela Fitz William, daughter to Lord Geoffrey Fitz William, who is the king's cousin."
Sybelle burst out laughing. "How silly you are, Sir Walter. Why do you not now name all Papa's properties and honors? This is not a formal court presentation."
"I was only making up for my previous rudeness in not presenting you to each other at all," Walter said easily, but it was not true.
Remembering Gervase's supercilious attitude, he had wished to make sure that Marie did not underestimate Sybelle's rank.

 
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