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Page 108
also that she married you upon my order or her mother's or grandmother's, even though she was indifferent to you. It is possible she might come to love you; it is also possible that she might not, that she might never have more to offer you than a dull and grudging obedience. Would you like that, Walter?"
"No!" The word burst out before he thought, a result of a medley of images of Sybelle's bright and mischievous ways. To have those dulled into weary resignation . . . Walter shuddered.
"This way, if she agrees, you will know she desires you. You will never need to doubt her love. It is a very unpleasant thing to doubt your wife's love."
There was a note of deep sincerity in Geoffrey's voice. Walter was startled, for Geoffrey had spoken with equal depth of feeling of his satisfaction in his marriage. There were two questions on Walter's tongueone concerning Geoffrey's last remark and the other an exasperated What am I to do? But neither was asked. At that moment Joanna came in and said she was sorry to interrupt but that Richard was coming to break his fast and needed Walter to explain to Prince Llewelyn what had happened at Monmouth.
Since Walter was not yet dressed, there was no time for further talk. All he said was, "Do not accept any other suitor for Sybelle. On any terms, I am willing."
That was perfectly true, but Walter was also totally at a loss as to how to proceed. He was well practiced in the techniques used to seduce a woman he did not want to marry, but it seemed ridiculous to use such blandishments on a wife. A wife was a man's property; one did not need to woo her. Walter also knew how one behaves to a woman betrothed, but he and Sybelle were not betrothed. At least, Walter thought sourly while he dressed, he was but she was not.
At that point in his thoughts, he entered the great hall. The high table was set, Price Llewelyn and the Earl of Pembroke seated side by side, but Walter's eyes did not linger on that objective. Without particular volition they ranged, found Sybelle where she was standing and talking to Simon and Rhiannon, and somehow his legs started off in that direction.
He did not reach them, however. As he came to the midpoint of the hall, Prince Llewelyn called out, and Walter saw Richard gesturing for him to join them. Duty was duty,

 
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