< previous page page_185 next page >

Page 185
think it is a subtle way of reducing your power?" Geoffrey paused and looked Richard full in the face. "I do not wish you harm, Pembroke, I swear it."
"You need not swear. I have better proof than oaths from you. Do you think I have forgotten how you came to warn me of the trap laid for me in August?" Richard hesitated a moment, his face thoughtful. Finally he nodded, having come to a decision. "Very well, I can make this betrothal plus his injury an excuse to send him about his own business. God knows I do not wan Walter's outlawry on my soul. But I wish to make clear to you, Lord Geoffrey, that if I need him, I will recall him to service and, more, if the property he controls will be useful to me, I will make use of it."
With that Geoffrey was well content, and he and Richard parted soon afterward, each satisfied with what had been decided. Walter had not noticed that Pembroke and his father-by-marriage had lingered in each other's company. As soon as he laid eyes on Sybelle, all he could think of was that Geoffrey had said they would leave the next day. Having separated her from her companions without much effort, he first told her the contract had been sealed and the terms. She was not much surprised by the large sum of money and seemed inclined to begin a discussion of how best it should be used.
"Never mind that now," Walter said. "Did you know your parents intended to leave tomorrow?"
"Yes. I think Papa does not wish to try King Henry's patience too far. It would be foolish to linger after other guests have left."
"Do you not care?" Walter asked softly. "It may be long, many months, before we see each other again."
"I . . . I have thought about it," Sybelle said, and then asked hesitantly, "Do you wish that I remain behind?"
The question was serious, even anxious, and Walter suddenly realized that he had spoken with such enthusiasm about obtaining the properties that he had most desired and five thousand marks besides that he might have raised doubts in Sybelle's mind as to what was most important to him. He was eager to make clear to her that having contract sealed had not abated his desire for her in the least, but the group with which she had been talking was close by and love words are better spoken in private.

 
< previous page page_185 next page >