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because we will leave here tomorrow and pass by Clyro keep. I wished to give Sir Roland warning if Walter intended to go there in the next week or two. On the other hand, I would not want him to expect the visit if there is no chance that it will be made.'' He smiled. "You know that no matter how well-managed a property, a castellan must be in some unease when a new master takes hold." |
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"But there will be no new master," Richard pointed out. |
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"No." Now Walter was smiling. "But this Sir Roland, whom I do not know, might believe that a new husband would have some influence on his bride." |
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Richard shrugged. His experience of marriage had not given him similar expectations. However, he assured both Walter and Geoffrey that there was no way Walter could be of use to him and that Walter would be free to pursue his private affairs. It was interesting to Geoffrey that the assurances were given with considerable warmth and that Richard looked relieved rather than resigned to the loss of Walter's service. He abandoned the topic for the moment, talking easily for a time on subjects of general interest, until they came into the main hall and Walter, seeing Sybelle, hastily excused himself and went to her. |
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Then Geoffrey said, "I am well pleased with my future son-by-marriage. He is a man of high honor. It is unfortunate that he is being made so uncomfortable by my kinship to the king. I have tried to assure him that aside from delaying the formal betrothal and marriage, it will make no difference, but" |
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"For my part," Richard interrupted, "I could wish he would make no delay of either. I cannot say that I would not care if he took up arms in the king's party, for he is able and would be a dangerous enemy, but if he would go east and attend to winning a hold on his own estates, I would be glad of it. So far I have held him back from crying defiance, but if he goes with us to attack" The earl stopped abruptly, remembering that he was speaking to one of King Henry's men. |
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"I agree from the bottom of my heart," Geoffrey said, acting as if Richard had finished his statement, "but I dare not say a word to him. The first condition he made when he offered for Sybelle was that he would not withdraw from your party. If I suggest he look to taking his keeps, will he not |
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