"Beloved..you are to good to understand a snake's nature.  And I have a plan.  At the border awaits a knight I know who will marry her.  He is a hard man, but not cruel.  She will be able to marry a knight and gain official approval of her child, but he will stand for none of her games.  I will be fully surprised if, within a year, he does not call upon me to lift her banishment based upon his goodwill and her change of heart.  Fear not for the child."<br/><br/>"Ah yes, my Lady Duchess... I will dance with pivan in honor of his Grace.  I understand that his knee is in pain this day.<br/>My Lord Duke, wilt tell Milady of one of your adventures,  I know she will thrill to the dangers you have faced in the forest and on the martial field."<br/><br/>He danced the formal dance with the Duchess, and she was quite complimentary and pleasant.  His Wife would need allies, and the Duchess would be the best.  He knew the old Duke would regal her with his amazing, funny, and unbelievable stories.    The were good company to have, as well as social superiors.