In The Shadow - стр. 27
"William. He could be better," the girl sighed doomily, and two large tears escaped from her long lashes and moistened her snow-white cheeks.
– 'Don't cry,' Sir Guise said in an orderly tone, who could not bear a woman's tears.
– I'm sorry, Father…" Brigid wiped her cheeks hastily with the palm of her hand.
– Philip is doing us all a great favour by marrying you," Sir Guise said in a softer tone and gently lifted his daughter's chin, forcing her to look into his eyes.
– I know, father," the poor girl whispered loudly, trying to force a smile.
– Besides, he is the brother of your beloved Alienor. Just imagine what beautiful children he will give you! And Alienor will be their aunt! – Sir Guise continued.
– You are right, Father… Of course you are…
– I have cared for you all these eighteen years. Your mother and I wish you nothing but happiness, and this man, I'm sure, will be your keeper and protector.
It was a lie. Since his daughter's birth, Sir Guise had seen in her only faults and an unnecessary mouth to feed. He and Lady Jane had expected a son who, when he grew up, would be able to support himself by serving with the king or in the English army, but instead of a boy, a daughter was born for whom a dowry was to be given in the future, and when Arthur, the Guise's eldest son died of fever and they were left with only a daughter, there was no one to pass on the family name, for Brigid was destined to take her husband's name. And may Brigid's son be able to inherit Guise Castle, but the ancient family name that came to England centuries ago with the Frankish conquerors will be lost forever. The death of Arthur, who tenderly loved his sister and tried to shield her from parental barbs, caused the quiet rivulet of insults against her to turn into a raging, roaring waterfall.
The last phrase made the girl smile sadly: ah, if only it were like that! Alas, they were but fine words!
But Sir Guise mistook his daughter's smile for a smile of understanding and gratitude.
– Imagine how happy Alienor will be when she hears that you and her brother will be husband and wife! – he exclaimed quietly and took Brigid's cold palm in his own.
– She will be delighted, yes… – Brigid squeezed her father's palm convulsively: never before had he given her such an honour! It was the first time Sir Guise had ever held her palm in his, and this paltry paternal caress seemed so sweet that she was ready to run down the aisle with Philip at this very moment.
– It is your destiny, my daughter, to be a wife and mother," said Sir Guise affectionately. For a moment he was bitter that his only child would be leaving home, but he immediately consoled himself with the thought that Philip could enter the king's inner circle and persuade him to restore the Guises to their title, fortune, and castles.
– I realise that, Father, and I will not disappoint you. – Brigid kissed her father timidly on the cheek and then touched the back of his hand with her lips with feeling. – Tell your mother everything, and I will bring joyfull news to Alienor. – With a deep curtsy, the girl left her father's room, fighting the hot tears that once again came to her violet eyes.
***
The old servants laughed with joy and clutched at their hearts: the master's son had returned from the war! Oh, how he had grown up! Ah, alive and well! Not a cripple! Arms and legs in place! The young maids, who were seeing Philip Norton for the first time, abandoned their work and looked at him with rapt attention. This castle had never seen such a handsome man! Those long white curls, that somewhat oblong but handsome face, those impossibly dazzling eyes, blue as the summer sky! He is tall, his chest is so broad, and his left palm rests menacingly on the hilt of a large sword hidden in a metal scabbard! Who is he? Where does he come from?