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"No," Marie answered without hesitation. "We will simply go back to France, from where we were dragged against our wills. Richard's downfall or death would benefit us as well as Sir Walter's will benefit you." |
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Sir Heribert thought privately that she did not know what she was talking about or that she so hated her brother-by-marriage that the emotion had disordered her wits, but it mattered little to him. He had his lever to oust Walter from his overlordship. |
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"Then if you have no objection, I will take my information to the king," Sir Heribert said. "When King Henry has this proof of Sir Walter's treason, he will disseisin him. He will lose all his estates. Will that avenge you?" |
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Marie nodded, although she was not completely content. That Walter should lose his lands was good; but if he felt the contract was ironbound, could it be irrevocable to Sybelle's parents also? Marie was as much interested in destroying the betrothal as in reducing Walter to a pauperlike herself. |
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Then the doubt cleared. Lord Geoffrey would have to break the contract; he could not have his daughter betrothed to an outlaw. Or if he could not break it, Marie thought that Walter would be regarded with loathing for bringing outlawry and penury into the family instead of honor and a good estate. |
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"Yes," she agreed, "it will serve my purpose. But you will not leave me in doubt, will you? Will you not return and tell me how you fared?" |
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"Indeed, I will," Heribert said heartily. "And to give you proper thanks for your kindness to me, for which I have not time now because I must be in Gloucester as soon as possible to make this news of value to the king." |
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"Then I will not keep you," Marie said, putting out her hand. Her voice held quite sincere regret, because Sir Heribert's handsome face and smooth voice appealed to her. |
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Heribert kissed the extended hand with considerable grace, and his lips lingered just fractionally longer than they should, indicating that the salute was more than a common, indifferent courtesy. In fact, Heribert did think that Marie was an attractive woman, but his hearty agreement to her request, the lingering of his lips on her hand, and his glances of admiration were no more than a hedge against future trouble. If it were useful and expedient, he would return; if not, Heribert was totally indifferent to any desire of Marie's. |
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