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again curtsying to the King, the Queen and the Bishop. She drew a parchment, wet her quill, and waited with her hand poised to write. |
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The first letter, addressed to Pope Clement, begged that all previous requests be disregarded and that Geoffrey be consecrated Archbishop of York for those reasons that Alinor, Queen by the Grace of God of England, would rehearse to him. The second letter directed William Longchamp and his associate justiciars to act in all things only with the advice of Walter of Coutances, Bishop of Rouen. The third letter was to William Marshal. It stated plainly that if the Chancellor, William Longchamp, refused to follow his advice and that of the Bishop of Rouen, they were to override Longchamp. A fourth letter, addressed in general to the other justiciars, repeated almost exactly the orders given to William Marshal. |
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Alinor went back to her own cell tired but happy. She had seen the trust and understanding between the Queen and the Bishop of Rouen and it seemed to her that matters in England would come to a satisfactory conclusion. She did not have much time to think about the subject because her maid was waiting with a message summoning her to Berengaria. Alinor snatched up the glove cuffs she was embroidering and went with an eager step. Perhaps Berengaria had already been told they were to accompany Richard. In any case, she was happy. If Simon's eyes had temporarily wandered, they were firmly centered on her now. She was in just the right mood to listen to Berengaria's talk of love and fulfillment. |
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The Princess of Navarre was not alone, however. Seated beside her, confidentially close, was Richard's sister Joanna. Alinor dropped a double curtsy and stood waiting, a trifle wary. |
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"Where have you been?" Berengaria asked in a sharp voice and then, as Alinor's color rose consciously, the Princess' expression cleared and she clapped a |
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