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.20%20Wall,%20Stone,%20Craft%20(1993)(v1.0)[htm].html (60 of 121)22-12-2006 1:37:38Williams, Walter Jon - Wall, Stone, Craft.htm That doesn t invalidate our arguments.We can still make them.Cheerfully. Claire and I will go, then.She s quite set on it, and Ihate to disappoint her. I think it will do us no good to be in his company for an instant longer.Ithink he is&  She reached behind her back, took his hand, touched it. Perhapshe is a little mad, she said. Byron? Really? He s wrong, of course, but& Nausea twisted her insides.Mary spoke rapidly, desperate to convince Byssheof her opinions. He so craves glory and fame, Bysshe.The war gave expressionto his passions, gave him the achievement he desired but now the war s overand he can t have the worship he needs.That s why he s taken up with us hewants even our admiration.There s no future for him now he could followWellington into politics but he d be in Wellington s shadow forever that way.He s got nowhere to go.There was a moment s silence. I see you ve been giving him much thought,Bysshe said finally. His marriage is a failure he can t go back to England.His relations withwomen will be irregular, and  Our relations are irregular, Maie.And it s the better for it. I didn t mean that.I meant he cannot love.It s worship he wants, not love.And those pretty young men he travels with there s something peculiar in that.Something unhealthy. Captain Austen is neither pretty nor young. He s along only by accident.Another of George s freaks. And if you think he s a paederast, well we should be tolerant.file:///K|/eMule/Incoming/Walter%20Jon%20Williams%20.20%20Wall,%20Stone,%20Craft%20(1993)(v1.0)[htm].html (61 of 121)22-12-2006 1:37:38Page 30ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.htmlWilliams, Walter Jon - Wall, Stone, Craft.htmPlato believed it a virtue.And George always asks after you. I do not wish to be in his thoughts. He is in yours. His voice was gentle. And that is all right.You are free.Mary s heart sank. It is your child I have, Bysshe, she said.Bysshe didn t answer.Torcere, she thought.Attorcere, rattorcere.Claire s face glowed as she modelled her new ball gown, circling on the parlorcarpet of the lodgings George had acquired for Bysshe s party.Lady Newstead sjewels glittered from Claire s fingers and throat.Bysshe, in a new coat,boots, and pantaloons, smiled approvingly from the corner. Very lovely, Miss Clairmont, George approved.George was in full uniform, scarlet coat, blue facings, gold braid, and byronslaced tight.His cocked hat was laid carelessly on the mantel.George s eyesturned to Mary. I m sorry you are ill, Miss Godwin, he said. I wish you were able toaccompany us.Bysshe, Mary presumed, had told him this.Mary found no reason why she shouldsupport the lie. I m not ill, she said mildly. I simply do not wish to go I have some pagesI wish to finish.A story calledHate.George and Bysshe flushed alike.Mary, smiling, approached Claire, took herhand, admired gown and gems.She was surprised by the affect: the jewels,designed for an older woman, gave Claire afile:///K|/eMule/Incoming/Walter%20Jon%20Williams%20.20%20Wall,%20Stone,%20Craft%20(1993)(v1.0)[htm].html (62 of 121)22-12-2006 1:37:38Williams, Walter Jon - Wall, Stone, Craft.htm surprisingly mature look, olderand more experienced than her sixteen years.Mary found herself growinguneasy. The seamstress was shocked when she was told I needed it tonight, Clairesaid. She had to call in extra help to finish in time. She laughed. Butmoney mended everything! For which we may thank Lord Newstead, Mary said,  and LadyNewstead to thank for the jewels. She looked up at George, who was stillsmouldering from her earlier shot. I m surprised, my lord, that she allowsthem to travel without her. Annabella has her own jewels, George said. These are mine.Itravel often without her, and as I move in the highest circles, I want to makecertain that any lady who finds herself in my company can glitter with thebest of them. How chivalrous. George cocked his head, trying to decide whether or not thiswas irony.Mary decided to let him wonder.She folded her hands and smiledsweetly. I believe it s time to leave, she said. You don t want to keep his highnessof Orange waiting.Cloaks and hats were snatched; goodbyes were said.Mary managed to whisper toClaire as she helped with her cloak. Be careful, Jane, she said [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]