A Memory of Love Read Online Free PDF Page B

want of her?
    “How much do you know of my accomplishments?” he asked her.
    “Enough to realize you are a great lord,” she replied.
    “I ratified a treaty several days ago at Montgomery with the English king. Part of the treaty agreement was a marriage between my blood kin and an English lord. It is a show of good faith between us. You are to be wed in a month's time to Edward de Beaulie of Haven Castle. He is not an important man, but his family descends from one of the first of King Henry's sons, born on the body of the heiress of Thorley. Haven Castle is small, but the lands it possesses are prosperous. You are most fortunate to have gained such a fine husband,” Llywelyn ap Gruffydd told his daughter, watching closely to gauge her reaction to his words, but for a long minute Rhonwyn said nothing, and he could not help but wonder what she was thinking. “Well?” he finally demanded.
    “What is a marriage?” she said at last.
    The four words stunned him. His mouth snapped open, and then closed again. His first thought was that she was simpleminded, but then he knew that not to be the truth. Why would she know of marriage here in this place? “A marriage,” he said slowly and carefully, “is the formal and legal union between two people. It is an honorable estate, Rhonwyn. The treaty I have signed at Montgomery with King Henry must offer an outward show of trust between us besides our signatures and seals on the parchment. In a case like this it has always been the custom to make a marriage between the two sides. Do you understand at all what I have said to you, my daughter?”
    “What does this marriage involve?” she finally asked of him. “What am I expected to do? I have been taught I have a duty to you, my lord, and I would not be derelict in that duty or bring shame upon your good name.”
    “You will become Edward de Beaulie's wife, his mate. You will be expected to manage his home and give him children of your body.”
    Her green eyes had widened slightly at his words, but she yet remained calm. “I have absolutely no idea of how to do any of the things you have told me I must, my lord prince. Have you not another female relation of your blood who would be better suited for this marriage?”
    “Nay, I do not, Rhonwyn, but more important, I have given my word that it is my daughter who will marry Edward de Beaulie. Having given my word, I must keep it.”
    “Aye,” she said, understanding his pledge was a matter of honor. “You are my lord, and I have been taught I owe you a duty,” Rhonwyn began. “This marriage is my obligation to you, is it not?”
    “It is,” he said. How amazing. She was incredibly ignorant in almost every way, but she understood duty and honor. He must thank Morgan. He had expected tears and refusal, not this calm acceptance.
    “My lack of knowledge and unfamiliarity with the world outside of Cythraul may prove an embarrassment to you, my lord prince. I do not wish to be a liability. I would not have people say Llywelyn ap Gruffydd has gulled the English by sending an unsuitable and uncivilized bride. What will you do to help me?” It was a reasonable request, and it pleased him that she was aware of her deficiencies.
    “We will leave on the morrow for Mercy Abbey, where my sister, your aunt, is the abbess. She will help you to become the lass you must be, Rhonwyn.”
    “And my brother? What of him?”
    “He remains here,” the prince said. “I have no use for him at the moment, and he is still but half grown.” He saw the look of anger in her eyes, but she strangely remained silent. “You do not like me, Rhonwyn, do you?” he probed.
    “Nay, I do not, my lord prince. You gave me life, and you saved my brother and me from death once, but I do not like you. Why should I? You have done nought but a scant duty for us, but both Glynn and I will repay that duty with duty of our own.”
    “Do you have any clean clothing?” he asked her, suddenly weary of their