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gasp for breath. Alinor's seeking lips found his throat. Then even the thin silk was too much hindrance. |
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It was the need to think of a way to rid herself of her garments that separated Alinor's mind from her body. As soon as the separation was made, rationality returned. She could not permit Simon to take her in this garden. Aside from the danger that some other couple would come across them, there would be no way to explain the long delay in returning to the celebration, nor the earth and grass stains on her gown, nor her total disarray. To add to that, Simon would never forgive himself. In a brief flash Alinor wondered whether she could yield and then use the act as a weapon to get them well married, but she knew at once that it would not work. It might get them married, but the burden of guilt would weigh always on Simon's mind and in the end would stain the whole fabric of their lives. |
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Alinor unlocked her arms from around Simon's neck and took his head in her hands. For a moment he pressed forward, blindly seeking her lips, but only for a moment. His eyes opened; his arms dropped. He stood so still, looking at her, he scarcely seemed to breathe. Alinor smiled up at him. |
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"Now do not begin to ask, 'What have I done?'" she said tremulously. "The answer is still, 'Nothing.' You have not said a word or looked a glance at me that spoke of love." |
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Simon ran a hand through his hair. "No," he agreed drily. |
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There was danger in this seemingly calm acceptance. Simon was not the kind of man who would calmly accept what he would consider an act of dishonor in himself. Alinor passed her tongue across her lips, which felt a little swollen. |
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"You cannot blame yourself," she whispered urgently. "The only thing you did was to be the kind of man you are. Oh, Simon, if you had known my grand- |
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