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Page 264
who had their places and duties in England. These women were largely widows who, although still relatively young, were no longer desirable marriage prizes. Their world no longer had a place for them. Most often they had children who were entitled to their dower properties so that they had nothing beyond a life interest to bring to another husband. Besides, if more children were born of the second marriage, war might result between the two sets of heirs. Sometimes the children were grown and wanted their mother's property now; most often the women were not strong enough to rule and manage their own lands and a male guardian was set over the children. In either case, the women were no longer welcome in what had been their homes.
Other ladies were even less fortunate. The widows, at least, had some claim on the income of the properties they had been ousted from. Having been brought to the Queen's attention, they were somewhat protected by her power; she saw to it that they were not left penniless. The others had never been married. Minor heiresses, whose parents had not been foresighted or who had judged wrong in their selection of guardians or who simply were not powerful enough to protect their children. These girls had been disseisined by some unscrupulous male relative. They had nothing; they were fortunate not to have been murdered. Totally dependent upon the Queen, they were kept out of pity or as weapons to be used at need against their dishonest menfolk.
This situation, too, Alinor had become aware of only after her arrival at Court. When she saw it, she thanked God anew with gratitude for a grandfather and grandmother who had wrought so well that strong men meekly bowed the knee to her. In her own troubles, she had forgotten those of the women who were her companions. She knew they resented her wealth and her ways and her power, and there was no way

 
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