– 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.
What happiness! What sweetness awaits her!
After kissing her friend on the forehead, Brigid wished her good night, took one of the candleholders, left the chambers and, lighting the corridor with the dancing light of a single candle, headed for her father's chambers: she had had enough of hearing him say that he was marrying her to William. She needed to hear it before she went to bed.
As she approached the door of her father's bedchamber, Brigid knocked timidly and immediately heard a sharp, "Come in!" This gave the girl courage, and, gathering more air into her lungs, she opened the door and entered the chamber.