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Page 125
"I? I betray you to the Queen? What sort of protector" Then Simon's brain caught up with his ears. "What do you mean you had almost despaired of my common sense?" he asked, his voice rising.
"Simon," Alinor sighed, with marked exasperation, "you desire that the Queen should know Isobel favors William, do you not? How will she know this? Isobel will not tell her. You can say that William's heart is set on the marriage, and the Queen will know you speak from knowledge, but how can you say aught of Isobel? Would she mention such matters to you?"
"Since it is doubtless the Queen who will press in favor of Baldwin, I do not see why telling her of Isobel's feelings will help. Besides, if you wish to tell her, ask to speak to her. The Queen will not deny you."
Alinor stamped her foot. "I do despair of your common sense! First, if the Queen wishes to press Baldwin's suit, she will not be overjoyed at my interference. In fact, if I say I wish to speak of Isobel, doubtless she will find herself too busy to see me today, and then tomorrow there will be another excuse. Second"
"I tell you it does not matter. If the Queen wishes to press Baldwin's suit, nothing you say or Isobel feels will move her."
"You do her an injustice. I do not say a knowledge of Isobel's heart will change the Queen's mind, but she is kind. She must know whatever you know about Baldwin. When she knows Isobel is not indifferent and will be made doubly unhappyat least she will think on it. Unhappy women make trouble."
"Perhaps, but what has all this to do withwith your liking for Roger Bigod and Milo de Bohun."
"Liking? Who likes them? They are dangerous men. You cannot warn them away from me"
"I cannot? Can I not?" Simon bellowed, leaping to his feet and clenching his fists. "Do you think I am afraid of Bigod or de Bohun?"
"Sit down and be quiet," Alinor hissed, pushing

 
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