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"hers, to her." However, Alinor's expression was merely thoughtful. She had had more than sufficient time to get her emotions under control and she was thinking what she could do to reduce the danger Simon would face. |
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"I cannot say I am pleased with this news," she began softly, "I will miss you. However," she added briskly before Simon could take alarm at the personal note, ''this campaign will solve a problem for me." |
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"I am supposed to solve problems for you," Simon said, laughing. He was delighted with Richard's order because it showed the King's trust in him and, without doubting the King's military genius in matters of siege and open battle, he knew he was far more likely to bring a campaign in Wales to a successful conclusion. Under his pleasure, however, he had had qualms about Alinor's reactions. Her practical remarkagain Simon thanked God for her grandfather's trainingwas such a relief that, all things considered, he felt euphoric. |
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"Well, of course, it depends upon you," Alinor agreed. |
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They emerged into the bailey as she spoke, and a vagrant breeze brought the odor of night-blooming flowers from the walled garden behind the house. Alinor tightened the fingers she had laid on Simon's wrist. She had been very particular to observe all the formalities since the King had commented so sharply upon her satisfaction with her warden. Thus, when they walked together, Alinor invariably walked at arm's length, her fingers on Simon's wrist as if he were an escort she scarcely knew. |
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"Come into the garden for a moment," she said. "The air is so sweet." |
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"Alinor" Simon began suspiciously. |
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"No, no," she protested. "I think you will approve of what I will suggest, but as it is a matter of war, you know I will not contest with you." |
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That was true, she never did. Simon followed do- |
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