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Page 72
Queen's will." That statement, at least, would draw no penance upon her. "Besides," she smiled mischievously, "I have been listening to gossip about you, Sir Simon. You are said to be a preux chevalier, a very Yvain for justice and virtue."
Sir Simon's tan grew a trifle ruddier, but he laughed. "As to that, if you listen long enough, you will hear ill as well as good of me, but I hope never that I violated a trust."
"Indeed, I am sure not," Alinor answered smoothly, and then continued, "I hope we have nothing to fear from the Flemmands or the Hainaulters. Mersea is, I believe, safe enough from the French, who will drown in the marshes should they be mad enough to attempt them. But those of the low countries have knowledge of such lands."
The color Alinor's compliment had raised in Simon's face returned to normal as he obliged with what information he had about Richard's probable relationship with the duchies of Flanders and Hainault. It was what she had intended. To show her trust and admiration was necessary, but she did not wish to embarrass Simon. The talk ran merrily on until the sweets were removed from the table. Simon stretched and, unexpectedly, yawned.
"I beg your pardon," he exclaimed, surprised by the involuntary reaction.
"Not at all." Alinor smiled understanding. "You were late abed and early stirring. It is a hot day, and a full meal added to all will induce sleep. There is no reason for haste in what you do, is there?"
"I do not know," Simon replied truthfully. "The Queen is not sure herself of where she will be or what she will need to do, so she could tell me little. I know she believes you will enjoy staying at Court"
That was not exactly what the Queen had said, but Simon was not such an idiot as to repeat her actual words. Those had been to the effect that it would be

 
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