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Page 293
was why William Marshal had been left in England.
"He has you, William," the King said. There was laughter from the assembled nobles. The tension eased appreciably as the men realized the King was not going to support his favorite blindly, ignoring justice. Responding to the atmosphere of approval, Richard's resentment abated. "Well, Sir Simon," he encouraged more genially.
"Sir Andre was the husband of Lady Alinor's grandfather's natural daughter. He says himself that it is no claimworthy blood bond, but you may judge that for yourself, my lord. Further, he has been in Sussex only some three or four years. He has no blood kin there, and the last of those years he was at war with almost every house in the shire. I freely admit it was no private matter that brought him to blows with themthey they were somewhat overeager suitors for his lady's hand in marriagebut I doubt that any deep love ties have been formed among them."
That brought another laugh. Richard was not so well pleased to see his Chancellor held up to ridicule, but he was trapped in the facts.
"Perhaps you have not investigated this matter closely enough, William," the King suggested. It was an easy way out.
"Please, my lord," Simon put in before Longchamp could answer, "that is not the point. Simply, it is this. You appointed me. Have I given you any cause to lose faith in me?"
"Of course not," Richard replied quickly. He was frowning but he could give no other answer. No man would believe that Sir Simon had failed in a trust.
"Then, my lord, it does not matter if I chose an ape to be my deputy. Even if every word the Bishop of Ely said was true, he had no right to interfere with my choice. It is my responsibility and my ruination if I chose ill. It is my duty to deliver what is due to you when it is due. If I do not, you may take my lands

 
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