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there was much to be said for training her from infancy to justice and reason. Unlike most women, who were confined to the small tasks and petty problems of the inner keep, there was no spite in Lady Alinor. She had been taught to see all sides of a case and was as quick to see and acknowledge a fault in herself as in another. |
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"Well, well," he rumbled cheerfully, "it is most understandable that the excitement of large affairs draws you. But I must say, my lady, that you are wise to see that the small are needful as well." |
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Alinor returned some platitudinous reply and then asked a question about the Mersea fishing trade which would draw him out. Although she won rich revenues from it and was usually interested in its doings, this time Alinor merely wanted freedom to think. It was easy enough to say she would enslave Sir Simon, but it would be necessary to gain and hold his attention first. Since he owed her no allegiance nor even any explanation of what he did, there was little she could do to force him to take her with him or tell her anything, except |
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"Will you excuse me for a little while, Sir John," Alinor said suddenly. "I have bethought me of a small thing I overlooked in my pleasuring of the last few days." |
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If her vassal was suspicious that the glint in Alinor's eyes had little to do with a forgotten task in the kitchen or the women's quarters, he was not inclined to make a point of it. He went on stolidly with his meal, grateful that he would very soon be free to go back to his charge in Mersea, to his docile wife and gentle daughters. He always looked forward to coming into Alinor's company. She could be enlivening and amusing, and he honored her and loved her too, but a man needed a little ease of mind. After a few weeks, Sir John felt he loved Alinor best when others had to deal with her. |
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