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Page 27
Unaware of what he had betrayed about himself, Richard continued conscientiously, "I do not mean to say that Gervase or MarieMarie de les Maures, a widow in my ward, my wife's sisterare shrews or . . . or not good women. Doubtless our disagreements are as much my fault as theirs. They are unhappy immured in Pembroke keep, but I could not take the chance that they would be seized by the king. Perhaps this chance to visit Builth will relieve the tedium for them."
Pembroke stopped speaking awkwardly, and Walter hastened to ease him by assuring him he would be glad to act as escort for Lady Pembroke and Lady Marie. The earl shrugged and sighed.
"I'm grateful to you," he said. "I only hope Gervase and Marie do not take some fancy and decide to punish you for my sins. I will write to Gervase"
"Please, my lord," Walter interrupted with more haste than diplomacy, "do not say any more about me than that you have bidden me escort them and have confidence in my ability to do so safely."
Richard looked at him, then shrugged again and agreed. He was no fool and realized that Walter felt his attempt to smooth the path would do more harm than good. Probably it would, he acknowledged, but he could not understand why, beyond the fact that the women seemed to be totally irrational and unreasonable. Richard heaved a great sigh of relief. He would be spared at least a week of Gervase's company, and Walter would be safely out of mischief for at least two weeks.

 
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