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had needed to be said. If Alinor and her property where in the Queen's hands, even Longchamp would not dare meddle with them. Nor would there be much use in contesting about the office of Sheriff in Sussex. Doubtless the Queen would protect all her liegeman's interests. Simon was sure that Longchamp knew he had bitten off more than he could chew. Of course Simon had not accomplished his full purpose either. Richard had not reprimanded Longchamp or sworn him over not to interfere in other similar situations. Simon shrugged and went out into the bailey and thence to the stables to check on his horses. One could not have everything; he was not ill-content with his day's work. He still thought the Crusade was a form of insanity, but the more he considered Richard's heir the more it seemed necessary to preserve the King's life. In addition, he foresaw great personal profit in close intimacy with the King. Richard had his faults, but a lack of generosity was not one of them. William Marshal had Isobel of Clare as a reward for loyal service from a far less generous master. Simon, driven by Alinor's continual assault on his senses, intended to build enough credit with the King to ask for her. The very fact that they were apart, that he could not be accused of meddling with the lady herself, would make such a request more reasonable. |
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The only shadow on his satisfaction was Alinor's reaction. He feared she would scarcely see the matter in the same light as he did. He was not sure what she had intended, but he imagined she expected to win the Queen's permission. In that, Simon knew her to be mistaken. Queen Alinor was far less likely to give away a valuable prize than the King. Although Simon had not contested Alinor's interpretation of the Queen's words, he knew quite well that the Queen was suggesting an illicit affair. |
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Love her as he did, Simon did not pretend for a |
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