|
|
|
|
|
|
I desire, I will serve you faithfully nonetheless, but do not banish me from the place that I have grown to love as well as from the woman I love. My lord,'' Simon's voice broke, "give me nothing, if that is your will, but when you need me no longer, let me go home." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Simon bent his head. "Yes." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There was a long silence. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"I will take Saladin's offer of peace," Richard said, his voice very low again. "If I do not, I will lose England and Normandy." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"That is a wise decision," Simon replied as heartily as he could. He started to get to his feet, desperate to be alone where he could fight his bitter disappointment and try to think how to explain to Alinor. Richard grasped his arm. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Berengaria and I have come to a parting of the ways." Richard looked at Simon and uttered a bark of laughter. "You are scarce surprised." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"No," Simon said slowly. "I am not surprisedbut not for the reason you think. The Lady Berengaria is a good and lovely lady, but she does not wish to believe that you spit or shit. No man can live long with such a woman. I could wish you would get an heir on her. Other than that, I do not blame you." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard opened his mouth, then closed it, then opened it again to say, "And yet you wish to marry?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In spite of his agony of disappointment, Simon burst out laughing. "The faults of an overrefined nature or an oversweet temper could never be laid upon Lady Alinor." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The blue eyes fixed upon Simon grew very cold. "Very well," Richard said, "on your head be it. I have done my best for you, and you have refused my offer and my counsel. When we come again to Acre, which will be soon, you will marry Lady Alinor, as is your desire. Then I can give my wife and my sister into your hands to guard them on the voyage home." |
|
|
|
|
|