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Walter's hand might generate a dislike for Marie that would make him misuse her. However, Marie pointed out that he would not blame her; Gervase, not she, would be the one to carry the tale to Richard, and Marie herself could be tearfully apologetic about it, vowing she had had no such intention. She could even claim she begged her sister not to betray her, but Gervase would not listen. It would do Gervase no harm if Walter was angry at her, since he had no power over her. And if Marie played her game well, he would soon come to terms with a situation that was irrevocable. |
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So, when Walter suggested a more ''comfortable" situation where they could talk at ease, Marie did not teasingly comment on the comparative quality of comfort in different chairs or giggle archly. Instead she cast a blatantly admiring glance at him and said softly that she had moved to an apartment separate from her sister and her husband's. |
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"And owing to your foresight in suggesting that I bring my own furniture, we can indeed be comfortable," she finished. |
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Although Walter had been considerably surprised by this unusually frank invitation, he concealed all but a single blink. When he made the suggestion that they leave their present location, he had been thinking no further, actually, than removing to a place less familiar to Sybelle and where she was not likely to seek him. Owing to the excitements of the tournament and his deepening relationship with Sybelle, he had all but forgotten his flirtation with Marie. It had recurred to his mind from time to time, when his physical frustration rose to uncomfortable levels, but all such occasions in the past had come at moments when taking action on the thought had been impossible. |
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Now, however, everything conspired to make him regard Marie's suggestion as manna from heaven. A swift glance around the hall indicated that no one he knew well was present to carry tales. Moreover, although his acute readiness for sex had, of course, dissipated, an ache of general need pervaded his entire body. He took fire at once, leaning forward to murmur caressingly that Marie was as kind as she was lovely. |
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Walter did not scruple to leap at the offer or think of restating the fact that he was as good as married. Richard had been present at the sealing of the contract for Sybelle; it never occurred to Walter that Richard would not pass on so interest- |
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