Marriage plans

The second day after my arrival, I met my cousin Bertha. She was near my age, so it was quite a mystery how come she didn't get married.

She had waited for me to settle down and greet Martia, so I couldn't see her before lunch.

«Hey, cousin,» she smiled when she saw me.

I was just crossing the door to the dining hall, and she was a couple of steps behind me.

«Bertha?» I muttered, surprised. «You haven't got married yet?»

«Oh, it's so nice to stay here. Also, proposals have been arriving with no end. I've got almost as much as you.»

«I got some proposals?» What was I, a maiden?

«I guess Countess de Ruis hasn't told you yet. Every noble family in Ethiro wants to send you their daughters. And a couple of foreign dignitaries as well. You're famous, now.»

«Oh, that's what you mean... I won't get married yet! It's too soon.»

«And when will it be time?»

«In about ten years.»