But it was not the pain of future separation from her parents: her heart sobbed at the realisation that it was not William Tury who would be her husband, but Philip Norton! She had warm feelings for him, of course, but only as the brother of her best friend… She knew nothing about him! She had seen him so seldom, only a few times in her life, for he had spent all his childhood with his knight uncle, and then had disappeared for five years in Europe, fighting for Henry and the interests of England. And though she saw William as seldom as she had once seen Philip, William seemed to her the nearest and most familiar creature in the world after her dear Alienor.
– It is time for you to marry a worthy man, my daughter, and Sir Norton is such a man. He will make you happy and give you many healthy and beautiful children. – Sir Guise touched his daughter's shoulder again, as if to encourage her, but she knew that her father was telling her to shut up and silently accept his will.
And the girl was so used to obeying that she smiled falsely, nodded her head in agreement, and, as a woman should, lowered her gaze to the floor.
– Are you not pleased, my lady? – Philip frowned slightly. He had expected a completely different reaction: he had always thought that this beautiful woman had tender feelings for him and only waited for his return. The fright and rejection that involuntarily appeared on Miss Guise's face saddened him.
Hearing Philip's voice, Brigid blushed, not knowing what to reply so as not to offend or demean his dignity.
"No, sir, I am not glad! My heart is weeping, and if you have any pity and sympathy for me, you will tell my father that you do not wish to marry me after all! Please give me freedom and time! What if William changes his mind and wants to make me his wife?" – The girl thought in despair, but said otherwise aloud:
– I am flattered, sir… I did not expect… You have come… We are all very glad…" Her voice sounded softly, with a gasp, for she was struggling with her excitement, but the manner in which these meaningless words were spoken assured Philip that Miss Guise was so glad of her engagement to him that she could not find words.
For it is so easy for a man to see the right signs when he wishes to possess the heart, soul, and body of the woman he loves!
– Let me speak to my father. But first, please, let me feel the tenderness of your palm, my dear bride," Philip asked quietly, and held out to the girl his large palm, which was hardened from many battles and exercises with a sword.
How the girl wanted to strike that palm, to throw it away from her! Alas, she had no choice: in the world of men the consent of women is not required. Only Alienor was so fortunate as to have a father who supported her every decision.
– I am honoured, sir," Brigid said, and timidly placed her small white palm in the palm of her fiancé's hand.
– You have such delicate hands, miss," Philip smiled, squeezing the girl's hand a little more firmly than the rules of propriety allowed. But she was his betrothed, and he thought he was allowed small liberties, and if not, Brigid's father would let him know that he had crossed the line.
But Sir Guise only smiled silently and watched the dialogue of the young people: it was not worth scaring away such a groom. Even if Philip Norton were to kiss Brigid's hand… Well, he could turn away or pretend that this liberty had not occurred to him.
