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Page 304
Chapter Seventeen
Neither chance nor mischance could have brought Simon and Alinor together privately in the weeks that followed. Although the King's and Queen's parties traveled together, Simon's change in status drew him completely out of the orbit of the Queen's ladies. Doubtless had they made an effort, Simon and Alinor could have planned a deliberate assignation; however, Simon would not, and Alinor did not think it wise. The Queen's purpose was served well enough by the attention the two paid each other during the festivities held every evening.
It was a happy time for both. Simon came closer and closer to the King, proving himself invaluable in his knowledge of warfare, the gathering and provisioning of men and arms, and in the diplomatic management of jealous pride among Richard's adherents. Simon, without blood ties, great estates, or long-term family enmities, was the perfect mediator between the barons. Alinor was equally busy, for the Queen was renewing old acquaintance and old loyalties all over her continental domains. What was even more to Alinor's taste was that the management of her own estates had been thrust back into her hands. The Queen no longer feared that Alinor would withhold a groat. Since Simon had fixed the dues to be paid and failure to pay would fall upon his head, the Queen had no doubt that Alinor would make good the amount.
Each afternoon Simon and Alinor met after dinner. In public there was no need to fear they could be carried away by passion. Equally, there was no need to hide what they felt. They could talk and dance and

 
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