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finished the service in time. You need not be so worried. It is not a thing generally known, but it could be used if needed." |
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"No!" Simon said explosively, and then more quietly, "I have never taken a thing by stealth in my lifegood war practice exceptedand I will not now, not though every part of me, brain, soul, and body, cries out for you. Do not torment me, Alinor." |
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"No, I will not. Mayhap things will grow easier between the King and the Queen. At least she knows now and has not driven us apart." |
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Alinor was quite content with her afternoon's work. She had never expected Simon to agree, nor did she expect that he would ever deliberately make her pregnant with the intention of forcing a marriage. All she had wanted was to plant the idea that the Queen would not disapprove or be disappointed in him if their passions ran away with them. She was in no terrible hurry. If it seemed that marriage would be possible in a year or two, or even if a promise of it could be obtained for a further distance of time, she would be satisfied to wait. If possible Alinor would not press simon into an act that, no matter how well it turned out, he would always regard with shame and regret. There was no reason, however, to forego the limited joys allowed them. |
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"The sun is going down," Alinor remarked, "and it is getting colder and colder." |
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Simon cocked his head at the tent. "The women seem quieter now. Do you want to go in?" |
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"Not till they forget, if ever they do, that I knocked Lady Margaret endwise. She was just about to cast herself upon the deck and begin drumming her heels." |
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"Yes," Simon said drily, "I heard you putting a stop to it." He reached up to unfasten his cloak. "Here, take my cloak." |
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"Do not be so silly," Alinor replied. "You will freeze. Besides, I want a warm body, not a cold cloak. |
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