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Page 463
allow her to fall into Lord John's hands.
"Between us," John continued, "we have chosen a fine man of good estate for you. Lord William of Wenneval."
"Oh," Alinor said. Reaction from her initial feeling of anger against the Queen stopped her tongue for a moment. Obviously the Queen had meant her no harm. William of Wenneval was a worthy man whom Alinor knew from her time at Court. He was not the equal of Simon or William Marshal and perhaps he was not overclever because he had long been a supporter of Lord John, but he was no monster. "You do me great honor, my lord, but"
"There can be no buts in this matter," John interrupted firmly but still kindly. "All is settled. I am sorry, but you have no choice. I have sent William word, and he will be here to marry you within the week."
"My lord, you do not understand," Alinor cried. "I am married already."
"Now that is a stupid thing to say." There was a really nasty snarl now in the silky voice. "You are the Queen's ward. You could not marry without her permission."
"It was by the King's will," Alinor explained. "King Richard gave me to Sir Simon Lemagne as a reward for his great services. We were married in the presence of the King, Queen Berengaria, Lady Joanna, the Bishop of Beauvais, and many other lords."
"Married? Married?" John snarled. "It was my plan"
Above all Alinor did not want to hear anything about John's plans. "Yes, yes," she cried aloud. "I am married already."
"To Sir Simon Lemagne?" John hissed, his eyes narrowed.
"Yes, my lord."
"Where is he?"

 
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