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"at least until the rest of the family arrives, but we can go separate ways. Before the court comes, you will be safe enough with a small escort. I will not need to accompany you to the markets or whatever other diversions you choose." |
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The question pleased Simon. He had been afraid she would try to forget he was alive. I will contrive to keep myself busy. I have friends I have not seen in some timemen friends." |
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She nodded acceptance and indicated she wished to mount. As they rode slowly back to Oxford, Rhiannon found she felt better. The settlement they had reached and her belief that she could cure herself of her love once she was home were helpful, but the lightening of Simon's mood was having a strong, if unrecognized, influence. Without thinking, Rhiannon asked a question about the river that wound lazily below them. Simon replied, and by the time they reached the house they were, outwardly at least, on easy terms. |
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Alinor sensed something very wrong, but she said nothing. Rhiannon was essentially beyond her experience. It was as if a wild doe had suddenly chosen to join a flock of sheep. One watched it with pleasure but did not try to herd it. |
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Besides, no one had much time to think about Simon and Rhiannon. When Geoffrey returned from court, he found more news at home than what he brought. Richard's herald had been accompanied by a small party for safety in traveling through the disturbed countryside, and one of that party had ridden aside to bring a letter from Walter. All were breathless when Ian read aloud by how narrow a margin they had averted disaster. |
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By God's Grace, Walter wrote, I chose the road to Woodstock rather than to Burford on my way to Wales. Not a half-mile west of the town did I find Pembroke coming most innocently with only ten men and his two |
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