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Page 116
face, and exclaimed, "Good God, Simon, do not take it so to heart. I will not break my faith. I know kings are constrained to act with what, in other men, might be thought to be dishonor."
The expression of horror on Simon's face was not owing to any fear that William might be driven to rebellion. Alinor! Alinor was the perfect substitute for Isobel of Clare. Fool! he told himself. What better could befall her than William? No woman could have a kinder, more honorable husband. That was true, but at the same time it was also nonsense. William and Alinor would drive each other insane. William was everything that was good, but he did not laugh easily and he had never really liked the Queen.
"Insofar as finding one to speak well of you andand express doubts of Baldwin's fitness as a husband, perhaps I can help," Simon said thoughtfully.
The trouble began to clear from his eyes. He had an idea that might do good and could do no harm at all. If Alinor could persuade Isobel to express a preference for William, that would be best for everyone. Isobel would have a fine husband. William would have what he desired. And Alinor would remain free. She was not rich enough or important enough for Baldwin. And if it did not work Simon swallowed. If it did not work, Alinor might have talked herself into a willingness to accept William.
"You? How? You mean you will talk to Lady Isobel? Or to the Queen? The Queen loves you well, Simon. She would not listen to me, but to you"
"I will certainly talk to the Queennot that it will do much good except to make it clear to her that you will not lightly dismiss such a loss. And for me to try to convince Lady Isobel would be fruitless. Either she would be affronted at a stranger who thrust himself into her private affairs"
"Not Isobel. She is gentle as a fawn."
"Then I would affright her. No, I have a far better

 
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