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Earl of Pembroke makes a difficulty, but surely we can come to some arrangement'' |
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"That is not the situation to which I was referring," Geoffrey interrupted again. "What I have heard from some of the men who came with you and Pembroke about this fiasco at Monmouth gives me reason to believe that a peaceor at least a trucewill soon be patched together. Perhaps it will not be possible to have a formal betrothal until that time, but I do not think that you and I need to worry about formal, legal bindings. I think you believe I will keep any promise I make, and I am sure you will keep any promise you make. The trouble is that the decision does not rest with either you or me." |
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Walter stood stock-still, staring at Geoffrey. The dismissal of the fear that he was going to be asked to turn his coat had momentarily blocked all feelings but relief, which was followed by amusement at his own self-importance. How could he have thought for a moment that he and his few men-at-arms would be considered valuable enough to Richard's cause to make Lord Geoffrey propose a dishonorable act as the price for his daughter? But in the wake of relief and amusement came astonishment. |
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"What do you mean the decision concerning your daughter's marriage does not rest with you? I can see how it would not rest with me, but" |
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"Will you sit down!" Geoffrey exclaimed. "I am getting a twist in my neck from staring up at you. I have told you already that this will be a long explanation." |
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"I beg your pardon," Walter said hastily, and sat. |
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"Put your foot up," Geoffrey suggested, pushing a footstool into position. Having seen Walter meekly accept this gesture, Geoffrey steepled his fingers and looked at him over them. "I will deliver the heaviest blow first," he said, grinning. "Roselynde and all the honors attached are held in the female line." |
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"I repeat: Roselynde, Mersea, Kingsclere, Iford, Clyro, and about half a dozen smaller keeps, plus I do not know how many farms and manors, are heritable only in the female line. Lady Alinor is holder now. My Joanna will inherit when Alinor diesand may that be never or, at least, not until after I am deadand after Joanna, they go to Sybelle." |
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