"John Moore - Heroics for Beginners" - читать интересную книгу автора (Moore John)

small balcony. Bigelow appeared out of the crowd dragging a reluctant Harkness, who had a string of
young women trailing him like a wake. The three men gazed outside with a sense of weary duty. Kevin
came up beside Lord Hepplewhit, giving him an inquiring look. Hepplewhit stepped to one side, allowing
Kevin to see out a neighboring window. Sixteen feet below were the castle's front gardens. Quite a
crowd had gathered there. Kevin estimated it was over a thousand people.

"Commoners from the city," said Hepplewhit. "And the surrounding villagers. They're all eager to see the
men who are courting the Ice..." He cleared his throat. "Yes, our beloved princess. There's been a lot of
excitement over the past few weeks.So much visiting royalty in town, and a wedding coming up. The city
has been abuzz with gossip. His Majesty decided to open up the gardens for this evening. If you could
each step out and wave, perhaps say a few words?"

Lord Logan was already outside. "I'd be delighted," said Kevin.

"I'm sure you know the drill. They just want to see you lads. Youknow, something to tell their friends
and children. Some of them have come a long way."

"The Princess is popular with her people?"

"Oh yes. Well, I wouldn't say popular.But admired, in a way. His Majesty, of course, is regarded with
great respect by the commoners. And he returns that respect."

Bigelow examined Kevin's tankard."Clever of you to bring this along, Kevin."

"Why is that, Sam?"

"Well, no princess wants to marry a man with an ugly mug."

"Can't argue with that."

Loganfinished speaking. Kevin couldn't hear the exact words. He could tell from the tone that the speech
was aggressive and militaristic. The crowd gave him a round of applause.

Bigelow took his place on the balcony.Logan stepped inside. "Tiresome rabble," he said.

"I quite agree," said Harkness. "There's something a tad degrading about having to pander to the great
unwashed."

"Well,noblesse oblige," said Raymond. "We all have our roles to play." They watched Bigelow speak.
He was generating laughter from the crowd.

"There are some good-looking babes out there, though." Harkness flipped his hair back.

"I should think they'd have better things to do with their time then to pry their noses into our affairs,"
saidLogan . He looked around irritably. "Where the hell has Timberline got to?"

Bigelow had just stepped inside. He waved a hand toward the balcony. "He's down there."
 "What!" saidLogan. There was a round of polite shoving and shuffling as all the suitors, except Bigelow,
sought to get out onto the small balcony. Tripple, Ashbury, and Hepplewhit crowded behind them.Logan
was the first to reach the balustrade and look down. "Now what is he doing?"