In The Shadow - стр. 9
– And what did he say? – Alienor responded with interest. She sat down on the scarlet velvet bed and gladly took off her new high-heeled boots made of soft leather.
– She loves her husband and he doesn't love her," Brigid said quietly and sighed heavily: she didn't know the woman or what she looked like, but she felt sorry for her.
It must be hard for a Queen to see her husband openly despise her and favour the court beauties… Both Boleyn sisters had been in his bed, and Miss Mary had even borne him two children. Yet these girls were just one of the unfortunate ones, in Brigid's opinion, who had no luck in attracting the king's attention. After all, if he wants to call a girl into his bedchamber, she cannot refuse him. He is a king. King of England.
– She's older than he is. What do you want? Of course he wants a younger, sweeter body," Alienor shrugged indifferently. – I wish he'd come down. I could have got him to ask me to dance.
– Oh, I have no doubt about that," Brigid said warmly. She went over to her friend, sat down beside her on the bed, and lovingly patted her cheek, ruddy from the wine and dancing. – 'Only I don't think Miss Boleyn would let him.
– She is only his mistress! – Alienor said ironically and squeezed Brigid in her arms. – You had better tell me, what of William? Has he already asked your father for your hand?
– I honestly do not know… I have not yet had a conversation with him on the subject… But he danced with me! He held my palms in his… I would have stayed with him in that hall, dancing and not saying a word! – whispered Brigid passionately. – Did he dance with you? I had to leave the hall… My mother called me: she said my face had become too ruddy.
– Your mother is a heartless woman, forgive me for saying it so plainly… But to make you leave the hall because you blushed with excitement after dancing with your beloved? And your future betrothed, as well! – Alienor grumbled unhappily.
– She cares for my reputation," Brigid said bitterly, and as her friend released her from her embrace, she rested her copper-haired head on Alienor's bare shoulder. – 'But did you dance with him?
– Just one dance. The fastest. He is as clumsy as a bear! – Alienor hastened to lie: she knew what love for William lurked in Brigid's heart, and she did not wish to provoke her jealousy. Besides, she was indifferent to the young man.
– And I thought we were floating in the clouds! – Brigid smiled and closed her eyes, once again seeing the beautiful proud face of her dear William in front of her. – I can't wait for the moment when he calls me his own!
– While you were dancing with the other men, William never took his eyes off you," Alienor smiled too. – Would you like some hot wine? Shall we call a maid?
– No need. It's so late… Do you think he loves me? – Brigid asked with a sinking heart.
– Of course he does! – Alienor squeezed her friend's palm with force. – Of course he loves you, and he's jealous of other men!
– I won't sleep tonight… I definitely won't sleep! – whispered Brigid.
Every cell of her body trembled at the thought that William Tury, the son of a rich nobleman and the chosen one of her young, pure heart, was reciprocating her love. Even if he did not show it as openly as she would have liked, even if he flirted with other ladies and danced with Miss Boleyn… He loved her and would make her his wife in the sight of God.