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men she had seen and met the previous night. Most likely Prince Llewelyn had introduced the most important guests and members of his entourage. Perhaps a few more would arrive today and tomorrow, but from what Marie had seen and the hints she had gathered, Walter was the best catch. |
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She need not commit herself totally until after the wedding, so she would have nothing to lose. If a better prospect appeared, she could cut Walter off sharply with the excuse that she feared for his happiness since he was all but betrothed to another. More important was the question of whether his greed for the dower Lord Geoffrey was offering was greater than his desire for her. Marie gave a little more attention to the conversation, so that Walter's interest, which had been lagging under the need to find more and more compliments, sparked. |
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Marie was again assured of his eagerness for her, but whether it was intense enough to substitute for good land was still in doubt. She would have to see the girl, Marie thought. If she were ugly or ill-tempered, it might be possible to make Walter understand that a wife he desired was more important than an extra estate, particularly since he already was, or would be, rich. |
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And surely the bond with Richard would be as important as the bond with Lord Geoffrey. Of course, she was not Richard's sister or daughter, so the bond would not be as strong. Still, a fool like Walter could probably be so bemused by lust that he would not think at all. Or, if he could not be bemused, he could be trapped. . . . |
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Suddenly Marie realized she was letting matters get out of hand. She must have agreed to more than she intended while her mind had been elsewhere. Walter was leaning forward, his lips a trifle fuller than normal, pointing out that so many were out hunting that the keep was unusually empty. Marie drew back, tittered, and hid her face in her sleeve, crying out faintly that she had not understood, that he was trying to trap her into an immodesty. Then she allowed her eyes to show over her arm as she whispered that he must not tempt her, that it was unkind to offer what would be immoral to accept, that she must run away from what she desired but knew was wrong to take. |
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Walter was thoroughly puzzled when Marie actually did run away, but he was also somewhat relieved. True, he would |
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