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Page 283
Chapter Sixteen
When the Queen and her party arrived at Nonancourt, they found that the core of the trouble had preceded them. Longchamp, Durham, Lord John, and a concourse of barons and bishops were already in residence. The Queen was livid, quite literally, Alinor told Simon nervously.
"I thought she would die before my eyes."
"I am not surprised. She does not roll the floors and bite the rugs like the Angevins," Simon replied, "but she does not lack for temper. It was all arranged that we should leave earlier so that we could stop to settle Lady Alais into Rouen and still arrive with or before the others."
A horrified pity filled Alinor's eyes. "Oh, Simon, what is wrong with the Lady Alais? I could almost believe from her behavior that she was King Henry's mistress. And do not close your face upon me. I do not run about speaking of this to others. I would not in any case. I am so sorry for her. Besides, the Queen says it is not true."
"She would have to say that if her son is to marry the woman."
Alinor glanced around to be sure no one was in hearing distance of the embrasure in which they sat. This was not so safe a place as the deep wall rooms of Roselynde, no more than a five foot hollow provided with a window with raised stone seats on either side. They had retreated to the spot after breaking their fast even though it was bitterly cold, because of the little privacy it afforded. Most of the Court idlers were

 
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