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Page 288
they would return to England when the Queen's tour of her own lands was complete, but Alinor was not convinced of that. Because of what she had heard pass between Richard and his mother, she felt the Queen would not leave the negotiations for Berengaria's hand to her son. It would be far too easy for him to be "too busy" to press for an early marriage.
The Queen, Alinor thought, would linger until she saw Richard and Berengaria together, possibly until they were married. Doubtless she would like it even better if she could remain with her son until Berengaria was delivered of a male heir. Probably Richard would not endure that and, in any case, it would be necessary to get the French king started for the Holy Land before the wedding took place to prevent him from demanding the return of his sister and her dowry. Alinor was by no means confident that they would see England again before the year that was barely started was well past. To protect her lands over such a long period of time, strong surety was needful. Simon's way was best.
The women's quarters were strangely silent that forenoon. The maids scurried about their tasks as quickly and quietly as possible, more than one with tear streaks or red welts on their faces. The ladies were frightened and nervous, having picked up the Queen's tension. They expressed their uneasiness by misusing their servants. Alinor was not above such behavior, but this day she could not find relief in such a simple way. She glanced uneasily toward the window, but the hides obscured the position of the sun and she could not be sure of the time. Then, with a sigh of impatience, she went and craved admittance to the Queen. It was not refused, but the glance turned upon her was not encouraging. This, Alinor thought, was no time for circumlocution.
"Madam," she began, clasping and unclasping her hands nervously, "you know of the letter from Sir Andre"

 
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