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Walter had not sat long alone brooding over Joanna's remarks when his attention was drawn to Prince Llewelyn, who, to his amazement, had not gone to hunt and was standing before him in the company of Gervase and Marie. Instinctively, Walter began to rise, but the prince waved at him to remain seated for the sake of his knee. |
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"I saw you looking black as thunder," Llewelyn said lightly, "and I do not blame youbeing tied by the leg and missing a hunt. To speak the truth, I feel much the same, for I have business that keeps me here when I had much rather be riding behind the hounds. However, I have been reconciled to the loss of the hunt by only a few words with these charming ladies. Little as I wish to yield them to anyone, I must. |
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"Then I am doubly a gainer," Walter said, "to have my tedium so delightfully relieved and to win so easy a victory over the Lord of Gwynedd, for had I earlier seen Lady Pembroke and Lady Marie in your company, I would have tried to draw them away from you." |
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As he spoke, Walter's eyes met Prince Llewelyn's. Both men were smiling pleasantly, but each read in the other's expression a politely restrained desire to laugh. Walter knew that the pressing business Llewelyn had was getting rid of Pembroke's ladies without offending them. Walter had no doubt that Llewelyn had discovered, between last night and this morning, that they were utterly useless for any political purpose. Not only did they know nothing and were not particularly interested in finding out, but they had no influence with the earl. Moreover, Walter was sure that Llewelyn knew he understood. |
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More civilities were exchanged; chairs were set for the ladies, and, at last, Prince Llewelyn bowed formally and took |
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