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“That is well,” Saeryn said, nodding. “If that is how you feel about it, then I should say that you should not be concerned about this letter.” That sounded cruel, as though she were saying, ‘all your worry and pain from today are for nothing.’ Saeryn bowed her head and tried to think again on what to say.
“Your father presumed a great deal when he wrote this letter to you.” She paused and once more had to hold in check words of distaste of Randvér’s unfeeling, even insulting, predictions. “But it seems to me that he made clear that if you could not marry Thornden, he would not forbid your marriage to Harreld. Just now, you have told me that your feelings and affections are for Harreld alone. I do not think your father would wish you to be unhappy, and if breaking your ties with Harrled in attempt to pursue Thornden would make you unhappy, then he would not ask you to do it. Besides. . .” she smiled a little bit, “even if you did attempt to set your cap to Thornden, I don’t think it would work. He doesn’t seem to want to marry anybody, and he would sooner cut off his own right hand than take you away from Harreld.
“So, I say, Ginna, not to worry very much about it. Talk with Harreld about it. Perhaps don’t tell him that your father prefers Thornden to him, but tell him that he did not forbid you two to marry, although he is concerned of Harreld’s working status. Harreld will understand. He took that into consideration when he started courting you. You two will talk and will come to a decision about what is best to be done.
“But you said you have tried talking to him. Tell me what happened and why you two haven't discussed it yet. Have you already told him that your father wants you to marry Thornden? Is that why he's shut himself up in his smithy all day?"
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