< previous page page_455 next page >

Page 455
Simon and told him that he was dismissed from her service. Joanna had many contacts in Italy, and they could easily hire men to protect them. Simon was doubtful about leaving his charge, but Berengaria said that she intended to remain in Rome for some time, adding significantly that she had business with the Pope. Simon made no comment upon that, although he thought she would get little satisfaction from that source. Nonetheless, he was certain Richard would not care. He took the precaution of obtaining written orders from both Berengaria and Joanna dismissing him and also found two Cardinals who would soon be traveling to Normandy. Having received Berengaria's promise that she would place herself in their trustworthy hands, Simon happily relinquished his charge.
He and Alinor and their troop of homesick men moved north with all haste. They were able to cross the Alps before any of the heavy snow had fallen and, at long last, in the middle of December, they sailed safely into Roselynde harbor. Alinor was so moved that she knelt down and kissed the filthy mud of the street, kissed also the common people who flocked around her cheering and weeping with joy at her return. Sir Andre was good and just, but in the absence of his lady he had preferred to err on the side of justice rather than that of mercy. Moreover, Sir Andre would authorize no celebrations while Lady Alinor was away and possibly in danger. Now the people knew there would be a great celebration. There would be free meat and bread and ale and wine and singing and dancing in the streets and in the great keep.
There was a celebration, of course. Alinor would never think of disappointing so natural and innocent an expectation merely because she would not enjoy the festivities quite as wholeheartedly as others. Simon could not be present. It had been decided between them that no announcement of their marriage should be made before Simon could acquaint Queen Alinor

 
< previous page page_455 next page >