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Page 32
was aware of missing her when she was not present, but there were no fierce pangs such as those fictional lovers experienced.
Actually, Walter wondered how long it would have taken him to realize how deeply he was in love if Lady Alinor had not jestingly spoken of Sybelle as being already past her first ripeness as a marriageable maid. Walter's immediate reaction, a mingling of rage and terror at the thought that Lord Geoffrey might, at that very moment, be making a contract for his daughter, removed the scales from Walter's eyes.
He left Roselynde the next day, saying nothing beyond farewell to Sybelle, although he told Lord Ian that he was going to Hemel. Unfortunately, Geoffrey was not there, but had joined the king. Walter followed, knowing he would be welcome to lodge with Richard of Cornwall. He reached Oxford just in time for the abortive council of 24 June and was horrified to learn how much the political situation had degenerated while he was idling away the weeks at Roselynde. As the danger of a violent breach between the king and his barons became clear, a bitter struggle ensued between Walter's desire for Sybelle and his knowledge that his common sense, ties of affection, and bonds of honor all placed him strongly in support of the Earl of Pembroke and against the king.
Lord Geoffrey's obvious dissatisfaction with the king's behavior emboldened Walter to go so far as explaining his problems about taking his lands in hand. Geoffrey agreed that he had done the right thing and that it would be wise to make no further move until the present crisis was over. But Geoffrey was clearly interested, and Walter's hopes rose. He therefore gave a very painstaking delineation of his properties and what they would be worth. Tactfully, Geoffrey did not laugh. He was aware of Walter's sojourn in Roselynde and of Sybelle's catastrophic impact on him. Lady Alinor had written very picturesque letters.
However, when Walter went on to describe his political position, Geoffrey drew back somewhat. He did not, as Walter had hoped, encourage him to make the offer for Sybelle that was trembling on his lips. Instead, Geoffrey made it clear that however little he approved of the king's actions, however strongly he would advise Henry to come to terms with the Earl of Pembroke, if a break between them came, Geoffrey would side with the king.

 
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