Walter Jon Williams Wall, Stone, Craft

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.Shelley.Longing fell upon Mary. I would have made a better mother, she said, andfelt tears sting her eyes. God, Maie! Bysshe cried. What I would not give! He bent over her and beganto weep.It was, Mary considered, about time, and then reflected that death had madeher satirical.George watched for a long moment, then withdrew.Mary could hear his bootspacing back and forth in the kitchen, and then a different, younger voicecalled from outside.TheFeldmarschall-leutnant had agreed to the encounter.He, the new voice, wasprepared to present himself as von Neipperg s second. A soldier all right, George commented. Civilian clothes, but he s got thatsprig of greenery that Austrian troops wear in their hats.His voice lifted. That s far enough, laddie! He switched to French and saidthat his second would be out shortly.Then his bootsteps returned to Mary srooms and put a hand on Bysshe s shoulder. Mr.Shelley, he said, I regret this intrusion, but I must ask will you dome the honor of standing my second in this affaire?Page 54ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html Bysshe! Mary cried. Of course not!Bysshe blinked tear-dazzled eyes but managed to speak clearly enough. I mtotally opposed to the practice.It s vicious and wasteful and utterly withoutmoral foundation.It reeks of death and the dark ages and ruling-classaffectation.file:///K|/eMule/Incoming/Walter%20Jon%20Williams%20.20%20Wall,%20Stone,%20Craft%20(1993)(v1.0)[htm].html (109 of 121)22-12-2006 1:37:38Williams, Walter Jon - Wall, Stone, Craft.htmGeorge s voice was gentle. There are no other gentlemen here, he said. Pasmany is a servant, and I can t see sending our worthy M.Fleury out to negotiate with those little noblemen.And He looked at Mary. Your lady must have her ice and her surgeon.Bysshe looked stricken. I know nothing of how to manage these encounters, hesaid. I would not do well by you.If you were to fall as a result of mybungling, I should never forgive myself. I will tell you what to say, and if he doesn t agree, then bring negotiationsto a close. Bysshe, Mary reminded, you said you would have nothing to do with this.Bysshe wiped tears from his eyes and looked thoughtful. Don t you see this is theater? Mary demanded. George is adding this sceneto his legend he doesn t give a damn for anyone here!George only seemed amused. You are far from death, madam, Ithink, to show such spirit, he said. Come, Mr.Shelley! Despite what Marythinks, a fight with Neipperg is the only way we can escape without riskingthe ladies. No, Mary said.Bysshe looked thoroughly unhappy. Very well, he said. ForMary s sake, I ll do as you ask, provided I do no violence myself.But I should say that I resent being placed in this&extraordinaryposition in the first place.Mary settled for glaring at Bysshe.More negotiations were conducted through the window, and thenBysshe, after receiving a thorough briefing, straightened andfile:///K|/eMule/Incoming/Walter%20Jon%20Williams%20.20%20Wall,%20Stone,%20Craft%20(1993)(v1.0)[htm].html (110 of 121)22-12-2006 1:37:38Williams, Walter Jon - Wall, Stone, Craft.htm brushed his jacket, brushed hisknees, put on his hat, and said goodbye to Mary.He was very pale under hisfreckles. Don t forget to point out, George said, that if von Neipperg attemptstreachery, he will be instantly shot dead by my men firing from this house. Quite.He left Mary in her bed.George went with him, to pull away the furniturebarricade at the front door.Mary realized she wasn t about to lie in bed while Bysshe was outside riskinghis neck.She threw off the covers and went to the window.Unbarred theshutter, pushed it open slightly.Wet coursed down her legs.Bysshe was holding a conversation with a stiff young man in an overcoat.Aftera few moments, Bysshe returned and reported toGeorge.Mary, feeling like a guilty child, returned to her bed. Baron von Strickow that s Neipperg s second was taken with your notion of theswordfight pour la cavalerie, but insists the fight should be on horseback.He frowned. They know, of course, that you haven t a horse with you. No doubt they d offer me some nag or other. George thought for a moment.Page 55ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html Very well [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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