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Page 50
years. I said we were not prisoners, but we might as well have been, for all we have seen of the outsider world."
"Then I am sure we will fit well with most of the ladies," Marie put in quickly. "After all, Sister, a grand affair in Wales will still not rival a modest one in the court of France."
Walter was grateful for being saved from needing to comment on Richard's behavior in leaving his womenfolk in Pembroke keep. Actually, Walter did not disapprove and quite agreed with the platitudes he would have had to offer about the necessity of being sure the women were safe and that great fondness sometimes might breed an overprotective attitude. Nonetheless, he knew those platitudes would irritate Gervase, who wanted sympathy with her own viewpoint and to hear her husband blamed for carrying on a war that inconvenienced her. Thus, Walter's eyes rested on Marie with sincere approval.
Gervase sniffed and tossed her head, but she made no further embarrassing remarks. She was aware of Marie's notion with regard to Walter. Although she did not agree that Richard had sent Walter deliberately because he was suitable for Marie, knowing better than her sister her husband's single-minded concentration on war and politics when he was engaged in those pursuits, Gervase was very willing for Marie to marry Walter if she could get him.
Walter's lack of titled status pleased Gervase. The last things she wanted was for Marie to be her equal in rank, and Walter's putative wealth pleased her, also. Gervase could not deny her sister fine clothing and comforts, but she was tired of having to find the money to supply these from her own purse.
Boredom supplied a better spur than Walter could, and he was clever enough to know it. Without any urging on his part, Gervase and Marie were ready to leave within two days. Nor was Walter as exasperated as Richard would have been by the slow pace mandated by the baggage wain and the large, luxurious traveling cart. After his father's death, Walter had often escorted his mother on various journeys; thus, he was accustomed. Moreover, unless it rained particularly hard, Marie would often ride beside him.
Walter enjoyed her company, although there was none of the easy rapport he had had with Sybelle. Marie wanted

 
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