< previous page page_84 next page >

Page 84
I thought if she went too far, I might curb her. I am accustomed to dealing with her."
Aware of an outraged gasp from his fair tormentor, Simon smiled grimly. "Are you?" he asked pleasantly. "Then see if you can bring her to answer a reasonable question reasonably."
If she could have laid hands on the well-meaning dolt who had summoned her vassals, Alinor would have scratched out his eyes. She could not order Sir Andre and Sir John to leave. If they did, not only would Sir Simon be justly affronted but his authority as King's warden would be brought into question and he might feel strong measures were necessary to enforce it. If they did not leave, Alinor's own authority would be badly damaged. Nor could she answer for Sir Andre a question she had refused to answer for Sir Simon. And to refuse to answer at all would make her seem a spiteful, stubborn fool.
Her grandmother had always said that pride and honor were men's insanity, and it was neither modest nor proper for a woman to ape men's ways. Alinor laid a hand on Simon's arm.
"I beg you not to shame me before my vassals," she pleaded softly. "Bid them go, and I will answer whatsoever you ask."
It was a trap. Simon knew it, and yet he was as helpless to resist her as if he had been a swaddled child. His eyes met Sir Andre's. "I promise you," he said, "whatever the provocation, I will not murder her. Will you trust her to me?"
Gratefully the older men retreated.
"Will you hold by your word, lady?" Simon asked as soon as they were out of earshot. He never expected a reply.
"I wished you to be angry so that you would not think about what I had said," Alinor replied docilely.
Simon was so surprised that he nearly lost the power of speech again. She was faithful to her word! "Then

 
< previous page page_84 next page >