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"Do not be ridiculous," Alinor exclaimed. "I know my grandfather brought his men and his servants whenever he went to London." Suddenly her eyes narrowed. "If you send them back, I do not go! Not unless you gag me and bind me to my horse. And if you try that, you will have a bloody war right here on this road. My men will not idly permit such liberties to be taken with my person. Simon, what does this mean? You know that without my own loyal servants I will be no more than a helpless prisonerand that state I will not easily accept." |
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The ultimate insult. She did not recognize the fact that he would not permit her to be a prisoner or that any harm should come to her. "Take them then," Simon snarled. "The Queen will be furious to be out the cost for their keep. I do not care! I am so grateful that I will be rid of the charge of you, that I care for nothing else. Thank God you will soon have a husband to deal with your vagaries. Holy Mary have mercy on the poor man. I do not envy him his fate." |
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"A husband?" Alinor gasped. "Where heard you this?" |
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"It is common knowledge that the heiresses the old King held are to be given in marriage." |
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"Oh, yes, the Queen spoke to me of the two Isobels and the others. But not me! I am not to be married. The Queen promised." |
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Simon's bridle hand moved so convulsively that his horse stopped and reared. Alinor had to check her own startled mount and circle around so that she could see him. |
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"The Queen promised?" he said, looking so stunned that Alinor began to giggle. |
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"You have me still," she laughed, wiping tears of mirth from her eyes, "and will have for many years, I think. She said the King would be loath to let me marry when he saw my rent rolls." |
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"Why?" Simon asked, cursing the fluttering sensa- |
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