Harald opened the letters and found a miniature of a young woman.
'That is a likeness of your intended.'
The girl looked about seventeen. Harald didn't doubt that it was not a true likeness. He knew the Seigneur de Maupassant's daughter was a spotty-faced twelve-year-old and he wasn't going to be fooled by an artist's rendering.
'Your father wants you to obtain a similar likeness of yourself. It is his intention to present it to the seigneur at the signing of the marriage contract.'
'What contract?'
'Your father is anxious that the marriage take place as soon as possible. All the necessary arrangements are in hand. If you are unable to make the journey to France, your brother will act as proxy.'
It sounded like a replay of his first marriage. All the disastrous elements were there, including Guy. Harald's head went into a spin.
'Mother, this is ridiculous.'
'It is what your father wants.'
'I must protest.'
'Harald, your father wills it. You are his heir only so long as he deems you fit to receive that honour. If you wish to disobey him, that is your choice. But be mindful that he will strike you from the inheritance and there will be no place for you in this house.'
Interlude
Winter passed into spring and minds turned to May Day. Some regarded the festival as an unfortunate relic from pagan times. Others saw it as part of an ancient tradition that had to be defended from killjoys out to stop their fun.