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Something inside Sybelle shuddered away from that thought, trembled at the idea of being everythingtutor to her husband, judge and defender of Roselynde and its vassals, centerpoint of the whole clan. No! Even Grandmama did not carry so heavy a burden. Grandpapa was not only a fighting machine, docilely obeying his wife. He was the counterpoise on the wheeland for all his soft and loving ways, he had a will and a temper of his own. Sybelle could remember eruptions between her grandparents that she thought would bring the roof of the keep down on them all. |
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Mama and Papa were also equal. They did not boil over and shoot sparks as easily as Grandpapa and Grandmama, but there were hot disagreements argued out no less violently, despite the level tones of the opponents. Arguments or no arguments, Mama and Papa supported each other, each gaining strength from the other. I cannot do it alone, Sybelle thought, and felt tears sting her eyes. I need a man, a real man. Surely I will be able to hold him. |
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Then two comforting thoughts came to her at once. Aunt Gilliane never, never quarreled with Uncle Adambut most of the time things went the way she wanted them to go. And, Sybelle knew, she had said quite shameful things to Walter over that stupid mistake his men had made. But he had got over it. He had looked at her much the same after that meeting as before it happened. |
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Sybelle slept easily after her decision was made and in the morning calmly told her mother that she was willing to accept Walter if he offered marriage. Joanna nodded without surprise. She had noticed that Sybelle had been much quieter than usual since they had met at Roselynde and assumed she had been thinking over what was undoubtedly the most important decision of her life. |
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"Very well," Joanna said with equal calm, although her heart swelled with tenderness and anxiety at the thought of Sybelle's embarkation on the stormy sea of womanhood. "However, leave it to me to tell your father and your grandfather. It will be better for them to think the issue is still in doubt." Then she smiled, and her eyes twinkled. ''Men," Joanna went on, "have altogether too much sympathy for the moans of others of their kind. Before we know where we are, Geoffrey and Ian will be assuring Walter you are his devoted slave." |
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