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The war between needs was clear in Isobel of Clare's face. If it was something she should not speak of, it was also something she should not hear. But it concerned William, and "It is not my way to repeat things I am told in confidence." |
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She does care for him, Alinor thought. Well then, let her stand up and demand what she desires. "It is not my way to repeat such things either, but this is something I think you have a need and a right to know. Thus, it has been upon my mind so much that my tongue wagged. William's ribs were crushed on his way back to free the Queen. He wears a brave front, but the truth is that he cannot dance or ride. He can barely walk, and it hurts him to talk much." |
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"Oh, my God! What is he doing out of his bed at all?" |
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Never afraid to gild the lily in a good cause, Alinor replied promptly, "He comes to speak with you and, when you neglect him to dance with others, to look at you." |
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Color flamed in Isobel's face, replacing the pallor fright had given her. "That is unkind, Alinor. I did not think you would use me as Isobel does. Since William has the promise of my lands, he does not need to dance with me or talk to me any more." |
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Alinor's eyes grew large as she saw the clever way Isobel was being manipulated. First make it clear that William wanted only her estates; then tell her that the new King had not agreed to her betrothal and that she was free to choose elsewhere; then praise Baldwin and point out that he was rich already and had no need for her lands. That was a flat lie; Baldwin was richer than William, but he was also far, far more expensive in his way of life. Isobel, however, would never think of that. Still, the combination of lies with Isobel's habit of obedience to authority would have brought her to comply with Lord Richard's desire that his friend have use of her. Not if I can help it, Alinor thought. |
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"Oh, Isobel, you know that is not true. I myself have |
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