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irresistible to her but that she avoided him when he was with Sybelle to prevent making trouble between him and his betrothed. That would show a tender consideration for his welfare that should surely make the fool believe she loved him. |
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They would be in Builth at least another week, Marie believed. That would give her a day or two to see how such treatment worked and still leave her time to use other tactics if necessary. What Marie wanted to avoid now was a more public statement of the planned betrothal. Once it was general knowledge, Sybelle would feel obliged to stand by it, no matter how much she disliked Walter. For the moment, however, Marie was aware that her murmurs of "happy" surprise had gone virtually unnoticed by the other two. Nor did they seem to have noticed that there had been another marked pause in the conversation. They were staring at each other, and Marie noted with satisfaction that Sybelle looked somewhat frightened and Walter looked decidedly worried. "I see I have teased you into a declaration earlier than it should have been made." Marie said archly. "Please do not be concerned. I swear I will tell no one, not even my sister. If something should cause a slip between the cup and the lip, there will be no rumor of this from me." |
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That clear statement penetrated, and Sybelle turned her head. "Thank you. It is true I have been somewhat free with news that is yet to be confirmed. I will be grateful if you keep it private." |
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"And now I see I am de trop," Marie murmured. "I shall leave you to yourselves." |
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No one said her nay, and she slipped away just as the musicians started to tune up for another dance measure. She was noticed by a young man who had not found a partner and swept into the dance before she could see the immediate reaction to her departure, but the next time she had a chance to look at the corner alongside the hearth, both Sybelle and Walter were gone. |
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Marie was particularly charming to the young man who partnered her after that, and to several other partners, for she had seen, when the third dance started, that Sybelle was also dancing. It was not significant to Marie that Sybelle was partnered by her uncle Simon, and later in turn by her father, grandfather, and brother. All that Marie cared about was that |
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