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Page 154
point that it was unfair to leave the matter of her betrothal hanging midair. Of course, Lady Alinor had been speaking about Walter, but Sybelle now saw it was unfair to others also.
Glancing sidelong at Walter and noting the slightly thinned line of his lips, which marked his distaste for the situation, Sybelle felt even guiltier. Poor Walter, he had done everything he could within the bounds of politeness to rid them of Marie. There was no way, Sybelle knew, in which he could clarify matters without claiming more than Sybelle had given him a right to claim. He could not say he was betrothed, for example, without seeming to force her into an agreement she had not made.
The slight pause after Marie spoke was growing noticeable. Walter turned a little more toward Sybelle; she felt there was a helpless perplexity in his eyes. The urge to help him was irresistible. ''But it is my duty not to enjoy myself if Sir Walter cannot," Sybelle confessed, laughing to show she was jesting. She put out her hand to him. "Sir Walter has asked for me in marriage, and my father has given his consent. When the contracts are written, we will be betrothed. Thus, if Sir Walter is lame, Sybelle cannot dance."
The look of stunned amazement on Walter's face gave Marie considerable food for thought. First, it confirmed her original idea that Sybelle had been resisting the betrothal. Second, it confirmed the notion that although Walter had made an offer for Sybelle, he was not really very eager to have her, despite her dowry. It seemed that he had been considering her plea that he should not make contract, since she was unwilling, as a good reason to back out of his offer. Third, Marie assumed that Sybelle had suddenly, owing to jealousy, changed her mind, dumbfounding Walter.
Marie was annoyed with herself. Perhaps if she had not intruded, Waiter would have told Lord Geoffrey that his daughter was not willing and not made contract.
To gain time to think, Marie made vague comments of surprise. She was wondering whether she should give up. There were many other men, but spite rose in her. If she could not win Walter, she could give Sybelle good reason for her distaste for himbut first she would try to take him from under the girl's nose. She could pursue Walter whenever Sybelle was absent, telling him in plain words that he was

 
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