"Why is my betrothed not here to great me...That is the short question that I think I need the answer to...If she is ill or distant, why does not your father come to welcome me home?<br/>I...have already received word that my mother, arranger of the marriage has passed away."  He closed his eyes for a moment.  "I hope you don't think less of me...I still cry when I think that I missed her last year..."