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Very likely he will wish to tell you that your eyes are like stars and your lips like cherriesor some such nonsense. Do not too sharply check him, but lead him gently to talk of more sensible matters."
That brought another laugh from Sybelle. "I do not think it nonsense for him to tell me my eyes are like stars."
"Perhaps not one or twice," Joanna agreed, laughing in turn, "but you will soon find conversation very dull if that is all Walter has to say."
"I imagine he will find a few other parts of me to praise." Sybelle remarked with mock seriousness.
"Piffle!" Joanna exclaimed. "We must hurry or we will be late on the road. Just remember what I said to you. If your father or Ian raises the question of Walter to you, say only that you have no objections to him but need to know him better. I am serious, Sybelle. You must determine how Walter will behave to you once he has your father's permission and knows there can be no rivals. Moreover, since no marriage contract can be written without your grandmother's approval, you will be able to withdraw if you find you have mistaken your heart or Walter's character."
Sybelle made no answer to her mother's last statement, merely nodding and then turning away to pack the few things that the maids had left out of the traveling baskets for last-minute use. However, Joanna had noticed that here daughter was not indifferent to the notion of rejecting Walter. Her expression, although quickly masked, had betrayed Sybelle's feelings.
Joanna sighed softly, undecided whether she was glad or sorry. Apparently her daughter was far more interested in de Clare than her calm manner had at first implied. If Walter were clever in his handling, Sybelle would be his devoted slave. Joanna walked to the first small chamber to see whether she could help her mother make ready, but her talk with Sybelle had delayed her too long. Alinor was out before her, and Geoffrey's voice, making some light remark to her in the courtyard, came in to Joanna through the little high window. Suddenly Joanna smiled, her heart lifting. To be enslaved by lovewith the right manwas not so bad.

When Walter delivered his charges to Brecon keep, he found a message from Richard requesting him to send word

 
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