Lord Hyde raised his hand and the room grew silent. "Young woman, are ye here alone?"

She didn't reply.

"Are ye now mute? Speak!"

"I am here with my father, milord!" she answered, the tremor in her voice obvious.

"Who is your father? Have him speak!"

"I am Cheesemaker Gerald, milord!"

"Do ye consent to having your daughter stand beside her man?"

"They are not betrothed, milord."

"Will they marry?" asked Sir Hyde. He gave a ...