Chapter 3 third chapter

Lowe watched the girl run away, regretting that he hadn't had more time for her.He would love to touch her white skin--and that hair!It was the same color as the horse he had had when he was a child. The horse was killed by the Huo family during the war, and the ground remembered it with hatred, and pulled up the sock fiercely. One of his toes came out of the hole.He absently puts on a second one, this time showing his big toe before it's all the way through.Now that he noticed, he lifted his cloak and looked up into the sunlight, seeing hundreds of tiny holes.He grabbed the shirt again, which was also riddled with holes.

Damn country girl, he thought angrily.How could he marry the heiress of the Fei family in this suit?If he saw that woman again, he would—Lowell paused to look at his shirt again.She didn't want to do his laundry, what she really wanted was some fun on the grass; and if she couldn't get it, she had to find revenge.And the feeling of revenge is very clear to Lowe. Angry as he was, when he looked up into the sun at the hole in his shirt, he did a rare thing: he smiled.Little shrew, she is not afraid of him.At the risk of being beaten by him, she punched holes in the heels of his clothes.If he did catch her, he might...maybe have a good time on the grass as she wished, he thought with a smile.

He tossed the shirt in the air, caught it, and began to put it on.Now he doesn't mind marrying the old lady of the Fei family, maybe after he gets married, he will come back to find this blonde beauty and satisfy her.Maybe he would take her back and let her have the nine children she said. Dressed, he mounted his horse and returned to where his brother and men were waiting. "We've waited long enough," Seaman said. "Do you have the courage now? Are you able to face that girl?" There was no humor in Lowe's face. "If you want to keep your tongue, you'd better bite it. Get on the horse, I'm going to get married."

Seaman walked towards the horse, when suddenly something blue in the grass caught his attention.He picked it up, saw it was a ribbon, dropped it on the ground, and rode off after his stubborn older brother. "Miss!" Joss called out and waited, but Aini didn't respond. "Miss!" she called even louder, but there was still no answer.Joss saw Aini staring at the street, her thoughts were thousands of miles away.She has been like this since she came back from riding yesterday.Perhaps it was about her marriage - messengers had been sent to inform Ser Stilton early this morning, but perhaps it was something else.Whatever it is, it looks like Aine isn't going to tell anyone.Joss exited the room and closed the heavy oak door.

Ai Ni was away all night yesterday, and she has no mood to work today.She just sat on the seat by the window in the room, looking at the village below, watching people laughing, chasing, and cursing. With a bang, the door opened. "Ani!" Her stepmother's resentful tone made it impossible for her to ignore, and Annie looked at her coldly. "What?" When she saw Lina, she seemed to see Stilton looking at the pure gold ornaments on the fireplace with joy. "Your father wants you to go to the lobby. He has guests." There was a peculiar sharpness in Lina's tone, and Aini couldn't help but become curious. "guest?"

Lina turned her head away. "I don't think you should go, Ernie. Your father won't blame you, he never scolded you. Go and tell him you've given your heart to Sir Stilton, and you don't want anyone else. " Now Annie is interested. "who?" Lina turned to look at her stepdaughter. "It's those horrible Europeans. You may not know anything about them, but I know my ex-husband's territory is near them. Eight generations of that family have been as poor as beggars-and almost Dirty as a beggar." "Then what is the relationship between these European family members and me?"

"Two people came last night, and the older one said he was here to marry you." She shook her hand. "That's how they do it: never ask people if they want to, just announce that they're coming to marry you." Ai Ni thought of another filth, a filth who kissed her and taunted her. "But I already have a marriage contract with Earl Stilton, and the news of the marriage contract has been sent out." Lina sat up on the bed, her shoulders sagging with worry. "Didn't I tell your father? But he wouldn't listen. Those two men brought two big hawks, the same Eurydice's hawks as they were. Gilbert talked to them all night about these hawks, and he thought They are the best men. He doesn't care how poor and smelly they are! He doesn't even pay attention to the rumors about how brutal and barbaric they are. Their father alone has exhausted four wives!"

Aini looked at her firmly. "Why should you worry who I marry? Does it make any difference to you who I marry as long as I leave this house?" Lina put her hands on her growing belly. "You'll never understand," she said wearily. "I just want to be a hostess in my own house." "And I had to leave home and marry a—" Lina raised her hand. "It's foolish of me to talk to you. Go to your father! Let him marry you to that scoundrel, and he'll beat you half to death, and take all your money, and leave you with nothing left of your clothes. Clothes! Huh, those people don't know what clothes are. The boss is dressed worse than a servant; when he walks around, he can see the thousands and hundreds of holes in the clothes clearly." She got out of bed . "You can hate me all you want, but I hope you won't ruin your life by being against me on purpose." She said and left the room.

Aini was not very interested in the man who claimed to marry her.To her, they were all alike.They are all for the property of the Fei family, and they all just want—— "There are holes in the clothes?" Annie yelled out, her eyes widening. "There are holes in the clothes?" Joss walked into the room. "Miss Fei, your father—" Aine rushed past the maid and ran down the steep stairs.She had to see this man, she had to see him before he saw her.She passed the garden, rushed past the people at work, and ran into the kitchen.The roaring stove made the kitchen sweltering, but Aini kept running.At the bottom she pushed open a small door and climbed the steps three by two to the concert hall.When the musician there wanted to greet her, she put her forefinger to her lips and told him to be silent.

This concert hall is located at the bottom of the main hall, a protruding balcony with waist-high railings.Ai Ni hid in a corner and looked down into the hall. It's him!It was the person she met yesterday.He sits to her father's right, with a huge eagle parked in the middle.The sun was shining on the hall, and his head seemed to be on fire. Aini leaned against the wall, her heart pounding.He is not a farmer!He said he was going to propose, and it turned out that he was going to marry her. "Miss Fei, are you okay?" the musician asked. Aini waved him away, then looked back downstairs.The way the dark-haired man sat and talked seemed to dominate the atmosphere in the hall. Her father and the blond man both laughed, but her man didn't.

her man?Thinking of this, she couldn't help opening her eyes. "What's his name?" she asked the musician softly. "Who is it, Miss Fei?" "The one with the black hair," she said impatiently. "That one, below." "Sir Lowe," answered the musician. "His brother's name is—" "Lowie?" she whispered to herself, unable to hear the rest. "Good name." She suddenly raised her head. "Lina!" she whispered, and rushed down the stairs again, passed the kitchen, ran across the stone path, and came to the south tower.She nearly knocked down two maids who were holding loads of laundry, and then rushed into a room.Lina was sitting in front of the drapery machine, not even looking at Aine. "Tell me about him!" Aine asked breathlessly. Lina is still mad at what Ai Ni said an hour ago! "I don't know anything about anybody, I'm just a poor servant in my own family." Aini pulled a chair from the corner of the room and sat down in front of her. "Tell me everything you know about this Lowe. Is he going to marry me? Dark red hair? Big man? Dark skin? Dark eyes?" Everyone in the room stopped working and looked at her. Miss Fei had never been so interested in any man before. Lina looked at Aini with concern. "Yes, he is a handsome man, but can you see through his beautiful appearance?" "I know, I know, his clothes are full of lice, at least before I wash them—tell me what you know." Lina didn't know the girl in front of her at all, but she had never seen her so lively, cheerful, and beautiful, and a feeling of fear came over Lina.It is impossible for the rational and mature Ai Ni to be fascinated by a beautiful face. In the past month, I have seen hundreds of handsome men—— "Tell me quickly!" Lina sighed. "I don't know very well, I only know that they are an ancient family. A few generations ago, the longest heir of the Ou family gave all his title, territory and property to his second wife's family. Remove the legal status. After he died, his wife married a cousin, so the descendants of the Ou family became Huo. Now the Huo family has the previous name and land of the Ou family, that's all I know. The king once said that all the Europeans were scoundrels, and now they have two ruined castles and a lesser title, and nothing else." Lina leaned forward towards Ai Ni. "I've seen where they live, it's just horrible. They don't care about lice, dust, they only have one thing in mind: revenge. This man named Lowe didn't come to take a wife at all, he wanted a wife." It's the Fei family's money, so that he can start a war against the Huo family." Lina took a deep breath. "People from the Ou family are dangerous people, they are full of war and death. When I was young, they had six sons, and then four were killed. Maybe there are only two left now, but maybe that person is like Fangzi There are a lot of births in the same way!" Lina held Aini's hand impulsively. "Please don't think about this man, he will eat you as breakfast." Aini straightened her back. "I'm more chewy than you think." Lina withdrew her hand. "Indeed," she whispered. "But don't think about him, don't marry him." Annie looked away.Maybe Lina had other reasons for not wanting her to marry him, maybe she wanted him for herself, maybe they were lovers when she was with her ex-husband.When Joss walked in, Ai Ni almost spoke. "Miss," she said to Aine. "Lord Barnet is here, and he has come to propose to you." "Accept," Lina said immediately. "Accepted. I know his father, very nice man." Aini looked at Joss and Lina, she couldn't stand it anymore.She rushed out the door and down the stairs.Joss and Lina panted after her. There were more than a dozen people in the courtyard, all of them brilliantly dressed.Ernie thought of rushing past them to the stables, a run might refresh her senses.But Lina grabbed her by the elbow. "Sir Neat?" Lina said. Aini had no choice but to turn her head to look at this person.He was young and handsome, with dark brown hair and eyes, well dressed, and a charming smile. She hated him from the very first sight. "This is my stepdaughter, Fianne," Lina said. "How is your father?" Aini stood stiffly, listening to the two chatting about irrelevant topics.She desperately wanted to get out of here and think about it; should she marry someone who laughed at her and forced her to do laundry? "I'm sure Ernie would be glad you could go with her, wouldn't you, Ernie?" Lina asked. "what?" "Sir Bass agrees to ride with you, and he will protect you from all harm, as your father did, will he not, Sir Boss?" Aini hated the way Lina smiled at men.Did she sleep with other men besides her own husband? "But who will protect me from him?" Aini said sweetly. "But I don't wear any jewelry and diamond rings. Maybe I'll be fine." Lina looked at Ai Ni with restraint. "My stepdaughter is really interesting," she glared at Aini. "But I hope it's not too funny." She gave Aini a push. "Go with him," she said in a low voice. Ernie walked hesitantly to the outer court, where her horse was tied. "I originally wanted to propose for your father's property, but after seeing you now, I realize that you are the greatest reward." "Oh?" She stopped and turned around. "Are my eyes like emeralds or sapphires?" His eyes widened in surprise. "I'd say sapphire." "Is my skin like ivory or the whitest and purest silk?" He smiled slightly. "I would say the whitest rose petals." "Where's my hair?" She took off the tiara and tossed her long hair. "Golden sun." She turned around angrily, but didn't see Lord Baron's muffled smile. "Will you let me ride with you?" he asked politely. "I swear on my mother's soul that I will never praise any part of you again. I can call you an ugly witch if you like." She didn't even look at him.Of course he had, he would do anything she wished. She got on her horse, rode off the guard bridge, and rode directly into the woods.She didn't know where she wanted to go, but she was riding towards the pond.She knew that Jazz was trying desperately to catch up with her, but she didn't slow down. When the local came to the pool, she sat on the horse and remembered that just yesterday Lowe was lying there. "Miss Fei's riding skills are as outstanding as your beauty." Sir Ba said as he rode beside her.When Annie was about to dismount by herself, he insisted on assisting her. She spent two hours with him and found him to be a gentleman through and through.He is considerate, jovial and knowledgeable: he treats Aine like a fragile flower ready to wither. And when she was with him, Ai Ni kept thinking about the scene with Sir Lowe.He was undoubtedly a terrible fellow, dirty and arrogant, and he ordered her like a servant.Of course, she was dressed as a peasant girl, and he thought he was a lord—a duke, if Lina was right.But what made him attractive was the strong power emanating from his whole body, which made her think only of him. "What kind of person does a man usually want his wife to be?" she asked suddenly. She didn't know how much hope her words gave Lord Barque. "A wife is someone who makes her husband as comfortable as possible, provides him with assistance, and bears children for him. A wife should give her husband love and warmth." Thinking of Lowe's words, Ai Ni couldn't help frowning.He said: "I will never marry a shrew. The woman I want must obey orders absolutely and speak softly." "I guess all men like nice, gentle women," she said. Sir Bass looked at her hopefully.Although he liked her strength very much, he was not stupid enough to tell a woman that he wanted her to be submissive and submissive. They walked quietly, but Aini's mind kept churning.Why should she consider marrying a man like Sir Lowe?He is absolutely useless.He used her as if he had no manners at all, but at the time he thought she was an ordinary peasant girl: if he had known who she was, he might have kissed her hand and read love poems to her.But would the lice crawl up her arm?She guessed. She looked at Sir Bass, and smiled at him.He was clean, cheerful, and dry—oh, so dry. "Will you kiss me?" she asked impulsively. Sir Bass didn't need a second request.He gently pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers. Ai Ni almost fell asleep.She took a step back and stared at Sir Ba in surprise.So that was why she wanted to marry Orloway.She longs for him, and when he kisses her, she responds to her toes.She felt feverish as he stood in front of her, nearly naked.And now even if Jazz took off all his clothes, she wouldn't feel anything. "Ai Ni?" he called softly, moving closer to her. Aine turned around quickly, causing the breeze to move his hair. "I have to go back quickly, I have to go back and tell my father who I am going to marry." Sir Ba stood there in shock, unable to move.Then he caught up to Ernie, pulled her into his arms, and began kissing her neck and throat. "Oh dear, you've made me the happiest man in the world. You don't know what that means to me. We've had so many fires all last year that I've barely given up hope of rebuilding my home!" She pushes him away. "I thought you liked my sapphire eyes and gold hair!" She turned and ran to the horse. "You have to find someone else to rebuild your home, because I decided to marry the son of Ou's parents." Sir Bass let out a sound of genuine surprise, and ran after her and grabbed her arm. "You can't think about them, they're just—" She raised her hand to stop him from speaking. "It's not up to you. Now I'm going back, and he can stay here or go with me. When you go back, I suggest you take your men away and find a rich woman." The heirs will help you rebuild your home. I hope you will take good care of your estate in the future, and don’t wait for the fire to find the rich man’s daughter in a hurry.” She got on the horse. Sir Ba looked at her back, his disappointment was gone.Marrying this kind of woman as his wife would definitely not feel good, maybe he would rather lose some territory than spend his whole life with this woman. But, those bastard Ou family!As dirty, messy, and rude as they are, women seem to like them.If Ai Ni really married one of them, within three years she would be old and decrepit, like an overused plow cow, he thought triumphantly. He mounted his horse and followed her.He'd better take his people away as soon as possible, he couldn't bear to see her get engaged to the Ou family with his own eyes.He shrugged, it was none of his business anyway. Ernie stands before her father and stepmother and announces that she is to marry Sir Orloway. "Wise choice! Boy," said Gibb. "The most distinguished falconry family in all of England." Lina's face gradually turned purple. "Don't do that," she gasped. "You're just trying to piss me off." "I have chosen a husband as you wished," said Aini coldly. "I thought you'd be happy!" Lina wanted to calm down, she sat heavily on the chair, and spread her hands helplessly. "You win, you stay, I'll let you run the estate and everything. I don't want to be accused of forcing my husband's daughter to hell on earth when I go to God. You win, Annie. That's it Are you happy, son? Go, don't let me see you again." Aini was confused by Lina's words, she turned and walked out.But when she got to the door, she realized what Lina meant.She walked back quickly. "No," she said slightly hurriedly. "I'm going to marry this guy. You know, I met him yesterday, we were alone for a while, and we..." She looked down at her hands, her face starting to flush. "Damn it, man, he raped her!" Lina said. "Gibb, you must hang him!" "No!" Gibb and Ai Ni said in unison. "His falcon—" began Gilbert. "He didn't—" said Ernie. Lina held out her hands to stop them, then hugged her belly.The step-daughter gave her enough stimulation during her pregnancy to make the child in her belly the best warrior ever. "Ani, what did that beast do to you?" He kissed me, she thought. "Nothing," she said. "He didn't even touch me. I met him yesterday when I was out riding and I..." What about her?Like him?love him?hate him?Maybe nothing at all, but whatever it was, it was the strongest feeling. "I just want to accept his marriage proposal." She finished speaking. "Good choice," Gilbert said. "The boy is a man's man." "You are a fool, Ai Ni." Lina whispered with a pale face. "It's rare for a girl's father to let her choose her own husband, and now I understand. I never knew you could be so stupid." She sighed. "Well, since you decide, when he hits you—if you're still alive—come back here and heal your wounds. Come on, I can't bear to see you again." Aini didn't leave her place. "I don't want to see him until the wedding," she said. "Finally got some brains," Lina said sarcastically. "Try to separate from him if you can." Gilbert is eating grapes. "He didn't ask to see you either, I guess yesterday was enough, huh?" He smiled and winked at his daughter. "I suppose so," said Aine.She was afraid that if Lowe saw her before marriage and found out that she was the one who threw clothes at him across the river, he might refuse to marry her. He didn't like fierce women.If he wants a tender wife, she must be a tender wife. "Ha! Then it's easy to arrange. I said you have a rash, and he can send an agent to exchange rings. And the wedding, it's scheduled for..." He looked at Lina, but she was frozen like a stone statue. "Three months. How do you feel, daughter?" Aini also looked at Lina, and she suddenly remembered that Lina had planned to let her stay in Fei's house as an old maid.Maybe Lina didn't hate her at all. "I'll need some clothes and household items," Annie said softly. "Will you pick something for me?" Lina's face was very pale. "Is it impossible for you to change your mind?" "No," said Aine. "Not anymore." "Then I'll help you," Lina said. "If you die, I will also give you a peaceful funeral." "Thank you." Ai Ni smiled and left the room.She has a lot going on for the next three months. The flag of the Ou family was flying in the camp area, with a white eagle painted on it, three horse skulls, and a white diagonal stripe across the white eagle.Some slept in tents or wagons, while Lowe and Seaman lay on blankets in the grass, surrounded by weapons. "I really don't understand why she chose you." Seaman said again.Ever since Fajib announced his daughter consented to the marriage, he had speculated endlessly.Lowe just shrugged and began to agree on the content of the dowry.Neither Lowe nor Gilbert seemed to think that it was strange for Aine to agree to the marriage order without Lowe's face after rejecting almost all the knights in England. "She turned everyone down," Seaman said. "I'm not in favor of letting girls choose their own husbands, I just don't understand, how could she refuse someone like Earl Stilton?" Lowe rolled over. "The girl has brains, and she made wise choices," he said impatiently. This time it was Seaman who complained. "There must be something you didn't tell me. You didn't seduce her privately, did you?" “我看都没看过她，我忙着勾引费老头的金子都来不及了呢！也许是他揍了那女孩一顿，然后叫她嫁给我。” "Maybe," Seaman said. "But I still think you—" Lowe looked angrily at his brother in the dark. "I've never seen that girl, I've been with old man Fei from morning till night." "Except for the time you slipped away before we got to Fay's Castle." "I didn't—" Lowe started, but then stopped, thinking of the girl who made holes in his clothes.After he gets married in three months, he must remember to come back to him. "I haven't seen her," Lowe said softly. "Her father must have made the decision for her. Her father is a fool. I think I can buy his soul with a few dozen eagles." "I don't think that much is needed." Seaman laughed.After a short pause he said, "Aren't you curious about that woman? Maybe she's fat and ugly." "What do I care about her? It's her land I want. Go to sleep, little brother, tomorrow is Wednesday again, and Wednesday is a busy day." Seaman smiled in the dark.Tomorrow he could see Randy again, and everything would be back to normal.In three months Miss Fiennie would join their lives, but nothing would change.Because if she was anything like her father, she would be nothing but a cowardly little girl.