– It's not me he should bring happiness, but you! – Alienor whispered stubbornly.
– My daughter, I've decided everything! I have already given William's father my consent! – frowned the master of the castle.
– You gave it without asking me, father, which means that this consent is worthless! – Alienor threw. She pulled away from her friend, put her warm palms on her cheeks and smiled: – He will marry you… Only you! I swear on my life!
– Don't say that… William doesn't want me! That's what my father said: we are too poor to find me a rich bridegroom, and William's family is famous for its wealth," Brigid shook her head stubbornly. – And even if my heart cries out in pain, I only wish him happiness…
– What nonsense! – Alienor wrinkled her nose, and then announced loudly: – That's it! It's decided! I will not marry William Tury! Never! And don't ask me to!
– But why not? – Her mother's hands wringing, her mother moaned. – 'My daughter, you are making a mistake! Just think what will be said of us! What they will say of you! "You've missed your happiness!"
– My happiness awaits me in the future, Mother. Who knows, perhaps I may become the Queen's lady in waiting! – Alienor turned to her parents, and there was such determination written on the girl's face that they despaired. – Father, all you have to do is whisper a few words to His Majesty and ask him to accept me into Catherine's entourage.
– If such things were so easy, my dear, all the royal palaces of England would be full of young beautiful ladies-in-waiting," Sir Norton said grimly. His daughter's obstinacy disappointed him, but he was more familiar with Alienor's character than anyone else, and he knew that she, not he, would have her way. At times like this, he regretted that he had failed to instil fear and respect in his daughter, instead spoiling her and deferring to her in every way. So should he blame Alienor for her selfishness and disobedience? No, he should be thanking himself: it was he, the gardener, who had raised this blue-eyed lily and given her too much freedom.
– Come, my dear… Our daughter has made the wrong decision, but we cannot force her to accept ours," Sir Norton sighed and gave his hand to his wife.
– Of course you can't, Father. I am not your servant to make my decisions for me," Alienor said coolly. – Good night, father, good night, mother.