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Church. There is no sense waiting for something to turn up. Perhaps" |
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"No, Alinor," Ian said apprehensively, "for God's sake, let us not embroil ourselves with God's elect. Let us see what comes to light in this conference. The bishops will all be in London, and I promise I will sound them out. Then we will know better how to direct our efforts." |
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"Very well, I will do nothing until the conference," Alinor agreed, and her son-by-marriage and husband breathed more freely until, a moment later, she added, "But I will think about it," which made them groan gently. |
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Simon had been no more enthusiastic than Rhiannon when it was agreed that the safest thing to do was for him to take his betrothed out riding. She had gone with him as she was bid, but she was bristling like a cat about to spit, though Simon gave her no immediate cause to be angry. In silence he helped her into her saddle and in silence followed wherever she wandered, remaining a few paces behind her. Finally, after they had dismounted and Rhiannon had sat down on a fallen log, her irritation spilled over in speech. |
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"What do you accomplish by this?" she snapped. |
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"Nothing," Simon answered mildly. "Believe me, I would not be in your company if it was not necessary." |
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"I am very glad to hear that," Rhiannon interrupted caustically. |
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Simon shrugged. "It is true enough, but only because I know myself to be in the wrong, and I know you to be too angry to listen to my apology. For both of us it would be better to be apart. Since we are constrained to be in company, what can I do but hold my tongue?" |
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"So you are in the wrong?" |
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"Yes. I know now you had no choice but to go to the king. My father should have gone with you, but I |
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