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there was no business. Alinor had not missed his attempts to get her off by herself completely, but she had mischievously not helped him out of curiosity as to what he would do. It had surprised her a little that he had not lost his temper and simply dragged her apart from the crowd by force. |
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"Ierwill you not be seated?" Simon gestured toward a stone bench set in a sheltered corner. "I hope my message did not interrupt some pleasantry." |
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The wind tore at Alinor's wimple and she clutched at the trailing ends of her veil. "Simon," she said, half smiling, but doubtfully, "what are you about? What is the cause of all this formal politeness when we are fain to be blown away?" |
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Easily goaded, as usual, Simon opened his mouth to say indignantly that he was always polite. He swallowed the ill-advised retort, under the circumstances, and said desperately. "I want you to do a favor for me." |
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"With all my heart," Alinor responded at once, all amusement gone from her face. She seated herself and tucked her skirts and veil firmly out of the way so that she could give him her full attention. That Simon should ask for a favor disturbed her, and his uneasiness no longer seemed funny. "Indeed," she assured him earnestly, "I will be happy to serve you in any way I can." |
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"It is not exactly me you will be serving," he began, and then reassured by the kindness and intelligence in her face he simply told her William's story. |
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"I do not know," Alinor said when he was through. "Isobel certainly is not happy, but whether it is because she is being pressed to repudiate the bargain with William Marshal, I cannot say. Simon, I will speak for the Marshal upon your word, butbut is it kind? Is it well to try to set her heart upon him? She will not stand her ground. She has not the way of it |
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