Hearing Philip's voice, Brigid blushed, not knowing what to reply so as not to offend or demean his dignity.
"No, sir, I am not glad! My heart is weeping, and if you have any pity and sympathy for me, you will tell my father that you do not wish to marry me after all! Please give me freedom and time! What if William changes his mind and wants to make me his wife?" – The girl thought in despair, but said otherwise aloud:
– I am flattered, sir… I did not expect… You have come… We are all very glad…" Her voice sounded softly, with a gasp, for she was struggling with her excitement, but the manner in which these meaningless words were spoken assured Philip that Miss Guise was so glad of her engagement to him that she could not find words.
For it is so easy for a man to see the right signs when he wishes to possess the heart, soul, and body of the woman he loves!
– Let me speak to my father. But first, please, let me feel the tenderness of your palm, my dear bride," Philip asked quietly, and held out to the girl his large palm, which was hardened from many battles and exercises with a sword.
How the girl wanted to strike that palm, to throw it away from her! Alas, she had no choice: in the world of men the consent of women is not required. Only Alienor was so fortunate as to have a father who supported her every decision.
– I am honoured, sir," Brigid said, and timidly placed her small white palm in the palm of her fiancé's hand.
– You have such delicate hands, miss," Philip smiled, squeezing the girl's hand a little more firmly than the rules of propriety allowed. But she was his betrothed, and he thought he was allowed small liberties, and if not, Brigid's father would let him know that he had crossed the line.
But Sir Guise only smiled silently and watched the dialogue of the young people: it was not worth scaring away such a groom. Even if Philip Norton were to kiss Brigid's hand… Well, he could turn away or pretend that this liberty had not occurred to him.
– But, dear Philip, find your father as soon as possible," Sir Guise interrupted the awkward scene in a soft tone, wishing to formalise the engagement of his daughter and Philip Norton with the blessing of the latter's father. – 'Your father and I have much to discuss, but, as I said, Brigid's dowry…'