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Marian’s father’s estate, Lyonsvale, lies between the borders of those held by Baron Parjor of Meara and the Earl of Pirallan. As her father’s heir, she is an attractive potential bride to any number of younger sons in search of lands and moderate income.
Currently fostered at the court of Baron Parjor, one of the alliances considered for her is with the younger son of the baron, Lord Raleigh Parjor, age 17. She personally detests him for a variety of reasons, including his rabid, vituperative bigotry, particularly intense against the Deryni. Well trained in the inter-familial politics of the period, she has learned to hide her feelings about the young man in order to avoid problems for her father as the powerful Parjors could easily overrun the Lyon estates.
She does enjoy delicate flirting with the eligible young men, but is circumspect about it. She dances well, and enjoys reading and listening to poetry. She sings well but has never acquired the ability to play any musical instruments. Needlework and reading are her preferred leisure activities, and although she knows how to ride, her equestrian skills are only adequate. She will participate in hunts and rides, but only for the opportunity to spend time with the eligible young men.
She has been extensively trained in estate management and administration, despite a difficulty understanding maths. The latter makes it difficult for her to track the household accounts, but she is very conscientious about ensuring their accuracy.
Her constant companion is an older woman of the lesser gentry, Magda de Luc, who acts as maid and chaperone, as well as friend to the young woman. Magda doesn’t think much of the potential match between her charge and Lord Raleigh and expresses her disapproval of the young man (and any other eligible parti she doesn’t like) by sniffing after any mention of his name.
During her childhood, Marian spent quite a bit of time visiting the court of her uncle, Baron William Manston III. She hasn’t seen them for several years since her fostering at Barony Parjor.
Copyright 1998 Bernadette Crumb
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