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made, we can have such a wedding as will be remembered for years, or even a court wedding, if you desire" |
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"No," Sybelle interrupted. "I do not wish to be put on show. Will our vassals deny the aide they owe on my marriage if they are not invited?" |
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Geoffrey smiled and shook his head. "We can invite them to the christening of your first child," he said. |
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Sybelle turned to look at her grandfather. "You do not think that any of your vassals will object to Walter, do you?" |
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"Certainly not," Ian replied, and Alinor agreed decisively. |
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"Then as to the exact time . . ." She hesitated and looked at Walter. |
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"Will you blame me," he asked, smiling, "if I take you at your word and say, let us marry now, this very afternoon?" |
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"You see?" Simon said. "You have all made a great deal of talk about nothing. You could have sent for Father Edgar as soon as Sybelle said yes." |
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"Be quiet, you mischievous idiot." Alinor laughed. "I am truly glad that Sybelle and Walter agree, but we will have some ceremony. Gilliane, will you speak to Father Edgar and see that the chapel is bedecked? Joanna, go down to the cooks and ask what they can give us for the evening mealI think you will find they have delicacies ready, for I warned them there would be need. Rhiannon and I will see to dressing the bride, and I am sure we will find clothing" Alinor stopped abruptly, then smiled and said, "The contract is ready. Geoffrey, if you will show it to Walter, I will take care of the rest." She rose quickly, with no sign of stiffness. "Sybelle, come with me." |
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She led her granddaughter up to her own chamber and went to a chest Sybelle had never seen opened. "These are your grandfather Simon's gowns," she said. "No man has worn them since he died, but men's gowns are no different in fashion now than they were then, and I have cared for them. There is no weakness in the cloth nor tarnish in the threads of the embroidery. If you are willing and you think Walter would take pleasure in the gift, you may have them. They will befit Walter well in size, but they are all of one colorgray." |
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"Grandfather Simon's gowns?" Sybelle knelt and began to lift them gingerly from the chest. She was a little startled at the magnificence that could be achieved in a monochrome, |
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