< previous page page_287 next page >

Page 287
"But we did not drown. And had I not been stubborn, you would certainly have drowned alone."
"I do not think it, but that is neither here nor there in this case. If you are modestly silent now, you will be free to obtain the Queen's help and to support Sir Andre with advice, and perhaps to help me. Do not look so black. I do not believe the King will dare deny me. Too many of the men assembled have royal grants of one kind or another and many of them are going with the King on Crusade. They will need to appoint deputies. If my deputy is to be displaced, what surety do they have that theirs will not also be displaced? There may be some harsh words said, which is another reason I warn you to be silent, but in the end Richard must confirm my choice of deputy."
Alinor stared at Simon with wide, desolate eyes, but there was nothing beyond a grim satisfaction in his face. The King would yield. He was quick of temper and stubborn as a galled ass, but by no means a fool. Simon had planned his campaign well. Yet there was one thing he had not considered. Whatever Simon said, Richard would not relish being forced to reprimand his favorite. Even if Longchamp twisted out of the blame, Richard would resent such a subject being raised in open Court, and it was said the King had a long memory for slights. He would never agree that Simon should obtain by marriage the lands and the lady that had been the bone of contention.
"Do not fear for me," Simon said softly, misreading Alinor's expression. He took her hand into his. "If I survived the father who was by far the cleverer, I will not be trapped by the son. He is bewitched by this dream of Crusade, but he is not an evil man."
With that cold comfort Alinor had to be content for, twist and turn the matter in her mind as she would, she could see no other way to protect her lands surely. Other less dangerous paths might be taken, but they would also produce less secure results. Simon believed

 
< previous page page_287 next page >