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Page 95
royal sanction to it, would such a marriage for me content you and my other vassals?"
"You will never win royal approval. Do not look on him, Alinor. You will only make grief for yourself and for him."
"Answer me. Is Sir Simon such a man as can lead my vassals to their satisfaction?"
Sir Andre rubbed the back of his neck. "He is too old for you." And, as he saw her draw an indignant breath, "No, listen to me. Now he is strong and fit, but he is only a few years younger than I. I am old. Sir John is not young. You should choose a young man so that when Sir John and I can no longer hold your men together you will have a strong leader for them and to protect your children."
"What has age to do with that?" Alinor asked. "My grandfather was fit to lead his men and protect me when he was near to eighty years old."
"Alinor, do not be a fool. Do not make a rule from one exception. In that way your grandfather was not as other men." He saw her lips tighten and her jaw thrust forward. "Very well! Very well! The man himself would be most welcome to us. You know that. You know Sir John and I were delighted when he was named King's warden. If he were youngerIf the King were willing to throw you away on a man he has no need to bind to him Those ifs lead only to grief."
She did not answer, merely stood looking down the hall toward the doorway through which Simon had gone out. Sir Andre was somewhat puzzled by her expression. She did not look contrite, as when she had said, "I will," and had been reasoned out of a foolish idea. She did not look mulish, as when she had determined to have her own way at all costs, and for that Sir Andre was thankful. She looked thoughtful, as when a new idea that she liked but was not certain of was presented to her.

 
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