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Post by Marie on Nov 30, 2013 20:03:49 GMT -5
A conversation between Gwayne Hightower and Winifred Lannister. Sansa Lannister is also invited.
Gwayne invites Lady Winifred and her granddaughter for a discussion.
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Post by Marie on Nov 30, 2013 20:16:07 GMT -5
"I am," said Gwayne. He was simply dressed in a padded grey tunic and breeches, since he was to enter the joust. "I hope you will forgive my lack of finery, but silk and velvet has no place alongside a man's armour. I have spoken with the lady I told you about, Lady Winifred. As a result, I would like to discuss the matter we talked about the other day."
He looked at Sansa and then back at her grandmother. "Is Lady Sansa aware of our prior discussion?"
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Post by Marie on Nov 30, 2013 20:34:21 GMT -5
Gwayne listened quietly for a moment. "Lady Sansa, I would like to know if you are willing to consider me. I am disinclined to take a wife who does not want me for a husband. I am happy to spend time getting to know you, but I must known now if I am wasting my time."
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Post by Marie on Nov 30, 2013 20:52:23 GMT -5
He pointedly ignored Winifred's scolding and smiled as if Sansa ad said noting amiss.
"I don't believe I am," Gwayne replied. "I have always wished to emulate the great heroes of legend, who treated their ladies with courtesy. Most men in the Far Reach remember their courtesies. I don't want sa wife who expects me to dance attendance on her, or one who trails after me like a lost puppy. My wife will have duties and entertainments of her own, as will I. It is my hope that my wife will be a partner, someone I can trust, in time."
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Post by Marie on Nov 30, 2013 21:08:42 GMT -5
"My lady is very sensible," said Gwayne. "My brother and sisters have had to make political marriages but I would never have allowed those matches if I thought they would do more harm than good."
To Sansa he said "The law does not allow true equality between the sexes, and a man must be master of his own castle, but I would hope to find as close to an equal partnership as our laws and customs allow. A good man married to a wise and dutiful woman listens to her counsel, as my father listened to my lady mother. They worked together."
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Post by Marie on Nov 30, 2013 21:25:55 GMT -5
"I understand," she said. "I have never met a man who believed such things. I like it." She smiled at him, and it was a different smile than her usually breezy, friendly grin. It was an uncharacteristically gentle smile. "I'm pleased by that," said Gwayne. "Would you agree to consider a match between us, then?" "Since we are in private, I can tell you that I would never have allowed Amelia to marry that fool and beast, Oswyn, if I had known how that marriage would end," Winifred said bitterly reflecting on her own youthful dreams of Oswyn and how far removed from reality they were. "Of course. I have always found Lord Oswyn a decent man, myself, but a man shows a different face in public than in private. That was rather unfortunate," Gwayne sighed. "I am only thankful that Quenton seems to treat my own sister far better." |
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Post by Marie on Nov 30, 2013 21:33:34 GMT -5
"I have every faith in that," he said. "I will leave the matter in your hands until you can send me some figures. But the money does not trouble me. All I want really is to make the match with the best chance of happiness for myself and for my bride."
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Post by Marie on Nov 30, 2013 21:41:09 GMT -5
"I find her attractive, of course, and she intrigues me. Perhaps a little too outspoken but I believe she can learn to hold her tongue. I liked her confidence," he said with a grin. "And she seems intelligent too. And likely brave."
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Post by Marie on Dec 1, 2013 9:10:10 GMT -5
"I am sure a betrothal at least can be arranged," said Gwayne. "But a hasty marriage might give offence to the lady I had once thought to wed. That would be bad form, would it not? Of course, my mother would be happy to act as chaperone to Lady Sansa should she wish to remain here for a time. Alternatively, should I decide to go straight back to Kings Landing with the queen, Isabel will be going too, and could act as chaperone if Lady Sansa cares to reside at our manse."
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Post by Marie on Dec 1, 2013 13:40:02 GMT -5
Gwayne put an arm out to halt her departure. "Not yet. There is a slight difficulty, as I mentioned. I told you that I had been contemplating marriage to another lady. That lady was Her Grace the queen.. I cannot afford to cause offence to the queen by announcing another betrothal scant days after I announced my change of heart. That would be rather insulting, would it not?"
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Post by Marie on Dec 1, 2013 15:28:12 GMT -5
Winifred raised an eyebrow. That sounded like Hightower had turned down the Queen, rather than the other way around as Winifred had expected. How very interesting. "Of course, Lord Gwayne, you are quite right. She is the guest of honor at your tournament and it would most certainly give offense. However, a joining of two Great Houses such as ours should always be an occasion worthy of celebration. Let us wait a month before announcing it." "It shall be done," he agreed. "It's likely the queen will announce her chosen consort by then anyway. So honour shall be satisfied all round. In the meantime, I shall use the time to come to know my bride better. I think that is for the best." |
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Post by Marie on Dec 1, 2013 15:45:22 GMT -5
"Yes, that will be most suitable. I know my mother would be pleased to offer her friendship and hospitality." He smiled.
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Post by Marie on Dec 2, 2013 13:21:18 GMT -5
"There will be other tourneys," he replied. "Fear not, the time shall come. I shall have to make do without a lady's favour for now." He smiled and offered his arm, remembering that he had previously wished to carry the queen's favour, but she was unlikely to grant it now. Nor was he sure that he wanted it. His feelings were changing. Perhaps marriage to another woman, one who was nothing like Rose, was exactly what he needed to take his mind off his queen.
They headed down to the great hall where Lady Annara was garbed in burgundy and white. She was still handsome for a woman nearing fifty, though her hair was streaked with grey. Gwayne released Winnie to kiss his mother.
"Mother, will you escort Lady Lannister to the stands? I am hoping you will help me ensure that she and her granddaughters receive the full benefit of our hospitality."
"Of course," Annara replied, smiling politely at Winnie. "Please come with me, Lady Lannister. You shall have a good place in the seats near me."
It was only now that Gwayne realised he would have to tell his mistress about his wife. Whether he told his wife about his mistress was a different matter entirely.
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Post by Marie on Dec 2, 2013 13:55:51 GMT -5
"I thank you, Lady Annara," Winifred said with a smile in return. "I confess, it has been a long time since I have attended a tournament of this magnitude. Oh we always have our local tourneys, of course, but the last time the realm gathered was for the wedding of the Queen's grandparents, I believe. This is long overdue, but I am pleased to say that your son has been an admirable host." She glanced back at Gwayne. "I will be sure to introduce your mother to my granddaughters," she said lightly. "Thank you. I'm much obliged," said Gwayne. "In the meantime, I must hurry to the lists." He bowed and departed. Annara smiled at Winnie. "I'm pleased you are looking forward to the events. It has been many years since we hosted a tourney here at Oldtown. I am looking forward to seeing my sons compete/" |
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Post by Marie on Dec 2, 2013 14:13:32 GMT -5
"Very much so," Annara replied. "I have not heard of any male Lannisters attending the tourney? Though you spoke of your granddaughters. Did your sons and grandsons not join you?"
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Hope you all are well and happy.