Having recovered a little, Brigid made her way to Alienor's chambers. Her eyes, accustomed to the darkness, easily recognised the familiar path, and the soft light of the growing moon encouraged her to seek answers from her friend. Alienor wouldn't lie to her face, she never would, and if she had any tender feelings for William, she would suppress them, for she knew that Brigid had loved him first. Long ago, as little girls, the girls had sworn to each other that no man would separate them or threaten their friendship: the one who fell in love first would always be the first. Brigid hoped that Alienor had not gone to bed yet; she would not want to wake her after a tiresome evening, only to ask her a single question: "But how did it happen?"

Thankfully, Alienor was awake, and instead of her friend lying in bed ready to fall into the arms of Morpheus, Brigid saw her in anger.

– I'm sorry, I didn't realise you were having a family council," Brigid said quietly as Sir and Lady Norton frowned at the door and the unexpected visitor.

– You must have come to say good night to Alienor, my child. – Lady Norton smiled: Brigid was dear to her motherly heart, and she did not wish to offend her by ordering her out of the room.

– Ind, my lady… Good night, Alienor… Good night, sir, and Lady Norton… – Brigid made a deep curtsy and was about to leave her friend's chamber when she heard Alienor's loud firm voice.

– My dear daughter, Brigid is tired and…" Lady Jane began affectionately.

– Brigid, William Tury has proposed to me! And I swear I never thought he would want to marry me! – Alienor swiftly approached her friend, turned her round to face her, and, seeing that Brigid's violet eyes were full of tears, seized her in her arms. – I do not desire this marriage! I do not love him, and I never will!

– My dear, William is a handsome healthy man! Many ladies are in love with him, but he chose you! It's such an honour! He is the son of a nobleman, and such a chance is given only once in a lifetime! – Sir Norton said in a judicious tone.

– Say what you will! I will not marry him! And tomorrow I'll say it to his face! Myself! – Alienor said in a low, confident voice, still embracing her friend.

– You don't have to… You don't have to sacrifice your marriage for me! – Brigid whispered in her ear. – I will accept it… He is a fine young man and will bring you happiness!

– It's not me he should bring happiness, but you! – Alienor whispered stubbornly.

– My daughter, I've decided everything! I have already given William's father my consent! – frowned the master of the castle.

– You gave it without asking me, father, which means that this consent is worthless! – Alienor threw. She pulled away from her friend, put her warm palms on her cheeks and smiled: – He will marry you… Only you! I swear on my life!

– Don't say that… William doesn't want me! That's what my father said: we are too poor to find me a rich bridegroom, and William's family is famous for its wealth," Brigid shook her head stubbornly. – And even if my heart cries out in pain, I only wish him happiness…

– What nonsense! – Alienor wrinkled her nose, and then announced loudly: – That's it! It's decided! I will not marry William Tury! Never! And don't ask me to!

– But why not? – Her mother's hands wringing, her mother moaned. – 'My daughter, you are making a mistake! Just think what will be said of us! What they will say of you! "You've missed your happiness!"

– My happiness awaits me in the future, Mother. Who knows, perhaps I may become the Queen's lady in waiting! – Alienor turned to her parents, and there was such determination written on the girl's face that they despaired. – Father, all you have to do is whisper a few words to His Majesty and ask him to accept me into Catherine's entourage.