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Page 135
to use him as a bridge to the king. But if you show him that is not the case and make an effort to charm him, you will find him a rewarding companion."
That seemed perfectly reasonable to Gervase, who nodded and then rose to her feet suddenly, saying, "Why, there is Lady Joanna. I will go and greet her and ask how she does. No, Marie, you stay here. We do not wish to overwhelm poor Lady Joanna."
Walter was striken mute, first by amusement at the thought that being accosted by two women could overwhelm Joanna, second with alarm at the notion that Gervase might repeat what he had said about Geoffrey. There was nothing wrong with it, of course; it was even true, but Joanna might be rightly annoyed at having Gervase foisted off on her poor husband. It was not until both of these ideas had passed through Walter's head that it occurred to him that Gervase's move might have less to do with her desire to talk to Joanna than with her desire to leave him alone with Marie. If so, was this Gervase's idea or Marie's? Marie was very lovely; desire rose in Walter again, dimming her faults.
"You are very quiet, Lady Marie," he remarked, watching her face.
"There was no need for me to speak when all my questions were being answered," she replied, "but I am less in need of safe companions than Gervase. Have you no one to suggest to me as interesting?"
The look openly and blatantly invited Walter to name himself, and he was just about to do so when he remembered that his situation had changed since the last time they had engaged in flirtation. Then he had been free, although he had wished to make an offer for Sybelle. Now he was bound because he had made his offer and been acceptedif Sybelle were willing. Resentment surged up in Walter again, and he smiled meaningfully at Marie. His lips parted to say "Will I not do?" but the words would not come. It was not fair to Marie. He did not think she wished to marry again. With as strong, kind, and indifferent a protector as Richard, and having her sister for company, she might well prefer the relative freedom of widowhood.
Still, there was a chance that Marie's attentions were owing to her consideration of him as a suitable prospect for a second husband. Walter felt he must make it clear that he was no

 
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