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his leave, casting one glance over his shoulder that spoke volumes to Walter when he was sure neither Gervase nor Marie could see him. Walter could not help smiling a trifle more broadly. He had been both thanked and offered commiseration in that glance; however, he did not feel he needed any sympathy. True, he considered Gervase selfish, stupid, and self-important, but that was what he expected of most women anyway. And as his memory of the horrible journey from Brecon to Builth faded, he felt he had judged Marie too harshly. Richard was not her responsibility. |
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In any case, he did not mind pandering to their weaknesses if it suited Prince Llewelyn, for despite their faults they were as pretty and amusing as caged birds. In his opinion, wits, particularly in the resentful mood that still seethed under Walter's smiling exterior, were not necessary for women. |
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''You are amused, my lord?" Marie asked. |
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"Not at all," Walter replied hastily and somewhat guiltily. "I am pleased. I hope you found the prince enjoyable company. He was sorry to part with you." |
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"So it seemed. His manners are very good," Gervase admitted. "I would not have expected it in this godforsaken corner of the world. I quite enjoyed talking to him." |
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She sounded as surprised as if a dog or a horse had been the other party in the conversation. Walter struggled with himself, striving to keep his desire to laugh under control, and became suffused with a longing for Sybelle to have been present to share his amusement. Except that he knew Sybelle would have led Gervase on, and then, most likely, he would have disgraced himself. But the sudden desire for Sybelle brought back his feeling of resentment, too. Walter became aware that Marie was staring at him with raised brows, and he realized that his reply had been delayed too long. He wished he could stop thinking about Sybelle. |
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"I have been considering those you would find equally good company," he said. "Have you yet been introduced to Lord Geoffrey FitzWilliam?" |
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"He was at the table last night, but he said little," Gervase replied. |
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"He is reserved," Walter commented, with a mischievous sense of satisfaction at involving Sybelle's father. "Owing to the fact that he is the king's cousin and dear to Henry, he must be careful where he extends friendship. Too many wish |
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