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nature of a general warning. We did speak of you, my dear, but only as to the advisability of your coming with me to Normandy and Aquitaine or remaining here." |
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Alinor struggled for composure. Her only interest in whether she went or stayed was where Simon would be, but she was so overset that she could think of no safe way to ask that question. She heard the Queen say that she was to go and even speak most kindly of her usefulness, but she did not dare express either joy or repugnance. She only managed to stammer out some phrases of gratitude for the Queen's favor and kind thoughts, which made Queen Alinor look at her very queerly. Something was definitely troubling Alinor, but if what Simon said was trueand the Queen had no cause to doubt his analysis, since it jibed perfectly with her ownthe girl had to be removed from the country until whatever trouble she might cause would not spread into a general conflagration. |
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Because in general Alinor was a sensible girl, the Queen felt she could reason away her trouble if only she could discover what it was. So, once again, she questioned. This time Alinor simply could not find laughter. She reiterated her, "Nothing, nothing," but the Queen would not be so easily satisfied. In desperation, Alinor cried, "Simon is unkind. He has been so angry because of that accursed appointment. I have begged pardon, but he will not forgive me." |
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At first the Queen made no reply at all, even her eyes losing their expression as she added up the bits and pieces of Alinor's odd behavior and Simon's even more peculiar reactions. Alinor nearly fainted with terror at what she had unintentionally divulged. The Queen's cynical brow quirked upward. |
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"You knew he would be angry when you made the arrangement," the Queen said. "I can do nothing to help you. You will have to settle your differences with Simon yourself. So long as it does not interfere with |
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