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are a lady wise beyond your years and sex, most interested in great events." |
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Will he ask me to swear to him, Alinor wondered. That was not so bad. She could say she no longer had the right and that would introduce the subject of her marriage to Simon in an unexceptional way. He might not be best pleased that he could not take fealty of her, but the excuse was reasonable. |
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"You will understand, therefore," John continued, "that personal choice must often be subordinated to the needs of the realm. I know also that you have said to my wife that you do not choose to marry, but that is a womanish nonsense unworthy of so wise a person." |
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The flattery, Alinor thought, is being laid on with a trowel. I must have given Isobel of Gloucester a most unfortunate opinion of me. How stupid she must have told Lord John I am. |
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"No," she began, "I have changed" It was a good opening to explain her new situation, but John held up a hand for silence and out of respect Alinor had to allow him to speak. |
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"I am glad to hear you have thought better of such nonsense. To be well married is the only comfortable situation for decent people. Now you have been too long alone. Moreover, as soon as Philip of France is free of his vow, he will send forces against England. Your lands need a master that can ensure that Philip's men can find no foothold on that coast. Therefore" |
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"My lord," Alinor exclaimed. |
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"Hold your tongue for the nonce," John said, but with a smile. "Hear me out." |
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"I know you are the Queen's ward," John snapped. "Be sure I have her agreement for what I do." |
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So that was why the Queen was displeased with Simon's news, Alinor thought. How unfortunate that her message had not reached her son before he arrived at Kingsclere. Her second sensation was of shock and disappointment. She had not thought the Queen would |
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