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had to say should not fall on any ears but Simon's. |
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"I have been sitting all morning," Alinor said pointedly, "let us stroll as I tell you Sir John's trouble with the fishers of Mersea." |
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Simon looked at her, nodded, and followed. Alinor began a tale of a storm that had damaged the Mersea fleet and how Sir John wished to rebuild it and, therefore, needed to borrow money or to be excused from his regular rents. When they were sure no one was sitting in the Cloister or at any window that looked out onto it, Alinor told Simon Berengaria's news, because that was now uppermost in her mind. It was clear that Simon already knew. |
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"That was my business this morning. I went to select and see fitted a ship to carry the ladies." |
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"Select a ship?" Alinor said blankly. "Does not Lady Berengaria travel with the King?" |
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Simon stared out over Alinor's head. "He says it would be too dangerous. That any attack would be launched at his vessel in an attempt to turn back the whole army." |
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"Oh," Alinor said flatly. "I see. Howhow very sensible." |
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Alinor's eyes filled with tears. She swallowed them back. Doubtless Berengaria would be enchanted with Richard's touching care for her safety. "Well," Alinor said in a slightly unsteady voice, "I have other news of almost as great import. This morning" But the tears rose in her throat again and she clutched at Simon's hand. "Simonoh, Simon, you would never be so sensible, would you?" |
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Simon's eyes came back to her, fastened on her mouth, which she could not hold quite firm, moved away with a painful effort. "Stop it, Alinor. Stop, or I will take you and kiss you, and God knows once I start whether I will be able to stop. This is not the time or the place for this foolishness." He cleared his |
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