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 Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 4:36 pm
Marcus did indeed write every day, usually telling Terryn about his unsavory cellmates or the stupid guards that couldn't hold a conversation with a rock, let alone a human. And then, finally, he received her letter and tore it open with anticipation and read it almost feverishly.
Terryn,
Do not apologize; it was the actions of our host that drove me to act foolishly. And also, I have received word that he is alive, but cannot use his right arm. No amount of time anywhere could make me feel differently about you, and I expressly forbid you from thinking of it. I would be grateful, most certainly, for a visit, but I am unsure that I could bear parting from you again. It was difficult enough the first time. I would rather not Gran know that I am in jail; I suspect her heart may fail. If, however, you could tell her that I am doing well and am completely occupied for the next year, I would be glad. I look forward to your next letter.
Yours,
Marcus
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 4:40 pm
Terryn sighed as she read his response, not wanting to confront the old duchess with a lie. The woman had a way of prying. Still, she had no real choice in the matter so she did her best to put on her cool face and exit her room for the first time in a while.
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 4:48 pm
The Duchess was sipping her tea quietly. The entire Terryn issue had just subsided, and they had managed to converse about gardens for few minutes before finding refuge in the tea. She was almost angry at Terryn for coming down, but she put on a pleasant, sympathetic look. She stood up and kissed Terryn on both cheeks and looked down. "I am glad to see you."
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 4:51 pm
Terryn gave her a small, halfhearted smile and stood next to the woman's seat, not wanting to sit down for fear it might give off the impression that she was sticking around. "Marcus sends his best and wishes you to know only that he is well and will be occupied for the coming year."
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 4:59 pm
The Duchess's arched, finely plucked eyebrows shot up. "Marcus?" She looked quickly at the earl. "The two of you are in correspondence?"
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 5:02 pm
"We have been, yes." Terryn directly avoided looking in the woman's eyes, feeling guilty for not having spoken up sooner.
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 5:04 pm
She looked at the earl again, and then back at Terryn, confused. "All this time? These three weeks? Where is he? Where can I write him? Why hasn't he written to me?"
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 5:10 pm
"Things in Russia...are not well." They had no idea how unwell they really were. "That is why he sent me back here."
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 5:14 pm
"That is no excuse for him to cut contact with his grandmother altogether," the Duchess answered shrilly. "Tell him to--no, give me his address. I would much rather tell him myself."
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 5:16 pm
"I..." Terryn bit on her bottom lip for a moment, racking her brains for a good excuse. "I do not know his address. I've been giving them to a messenger who knows one of Marcus's friends. If you give me your letters I can pass them on."
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 5:23 pm
The Duchess's nostrils flared. "That will be quite unnecessary. Although, if you will be so kind, do tell him that I have not raised him to forsake those that have raised him up by hand." She was rather angry. "Honestly. The nerve. I am happy for the two of you, but you could do better than that selfish, immature boy."
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 5:25 pm
"I-" Terryn swallowed, trying her best not to get agitated for fear she would say the wrong thing. "I will tell him for you." She bowed her head quickly and turned to leave.
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 5:44 pm
"Not once have I seen him think of anyone but himself," ranted the Duchess, not bothering to dismiss Terryn. "Never has he gone out of his way to help another, or, heaven forbid, sacrifice something of his own for someone else."
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 5:46 pm
"That is a lie!" Terryn turned on her heel, her eyes widening as she realized what she had said. "Forgive me, I spoke out of turn." She quickly continued walking up to her room, afraid of being apprehended before she made it.
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Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 5:54 pm
The Duchess stared at her, cold and uncomprehending. "You are so infatuated with him that you think him a saint?" she asked witheringly, as Terryn hurried up the stairs. She was still fuming. How dare that insolent young man completely ignore him and hide all of his details from him!
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