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Page 166
steps and then the light, pleasant voice that Alinor already recognized as the King's said solicitously, "But you must be tired, Madam. Leave these matters for now and rest."
"Tired," the Queen replied sharply, "what has that to say to anything. I am not tired, as it happens, but if I were night to fainting with weariness it would be no excuse to neglect making" Her voice checked and began again more questioning and less decisive. "To neglect discovering what your decision is."
"I have not been here. I know none of these people except William Marshal and you say he is at the limit of his obedience. I can do nothing but accept what you tell me is wise."
The light voice was not so pretty now. It was sulky.
"My love, Richard my heart, I tried to do as you wished."
"If you had ordered it, they would have obeyed."
"Yes, and they would have hated me. Worse, they would have hated you. Nor would that hate have diminished. When William saw the Countess of Pembroke unhappy, that hate would have grown in him like a canker. The whole Court, moreover, believes she is promised to him. If you broke that promise, would they trust any other you made?"
"Pish tush! Who cares what the barons of a Godforsaken corner of nowhere think. And as for WilliamWilliam is not greedy. He would have been content with this other girl's lands, and some title could have been found for him."
"Do not be so quick to pish tush the barons of England. Their blood may flow slower than that of Poitevins, but it flows very strong. I never said or thought that William was greedy. I tell you it would be Isobel's wretchedness that would drive him mad. That would be true even if he came to love Alinor, which I doubt could be. William has no sense of humor. He could not deal happily with a masterful wife. I tell you,

 
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