with only a momentary hesitation to gather his courage , the young friar turned slowly to the powerful , implacable man beside her and said , `` my lord westmoreland-your grace-i can not possibly perform the marriage without the consent of the- '' he broke off in confusion as the duke of claymore continued to regard him in mocking silence , as if he was calmly waiting for friar gregory to recall something-something that would leave him no choice but to do as he 'd been bidden .