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Page 224
The Queen made no reply at first, merely stared attentively at the girl. Then she said, "Where will you get the money?"
"There are sources enough. The dower jewels are mine. I am heir, not a bride of the family. I can pledge them. I can borrow from my vassals. For such a purpose I could easily obtain an aide from them. They would pay gladly to have a just and honest sheriff." Alinor was not going to admit that her strongboxes, untapped by Simon, would yield the sum without help. In fact, she planned to ask an aide from her vassals. There was no reason, as far as she could see, to strain herself to pay for what would benefit her men as much as herself.
After due consideration, the Queen nodded briskly. She accepted the fact that Alinor would be able to pay what she said. Then came the crux of the matter.
"Why does not Simon ask for himself? How do you know he desires this?"
"I never said he desired it. He knows nothing about it."
Now the Queen stared in blank amazement, and then burst out laughing. "Alinor, he will slay you!"
"Perhaps," Alinor agreed, laughing also, "but I care more for my lands and my vassals than for a few bruises or for Sir Simon's bad temper. He will not refuse the duty after the King sends him notice of the appointment, and my lands and my vassals will be safe."
The Queen sobered and her eyes narrowed. "That is part of your purpose," she agreed, "you do not lie. But sometimes you leave out a little. Do you think to wean Simon from the royal service by these duties?"
"Oh, no, Madam! Indeed I do not," Alinor exclaimed with such sincerity that it could not be mistaken.
"Then he will be much away from his duties as sheriff and your benefit"
"Will be all the greater. Pardon me for interrupting

 
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