< previous page page_59 next page >

Page 59
second summoning and decide to try passive resistance again.''
Geoffrey shuddered suddenly. "No, I do not think that device will be used. I fear more and more that what you said the other day, Ian, is true. I fear Winchester has seen too clearly. If Pembroke is removed, there will be no man strong enough around whom the barons could rally."
"Then it is not war, but an end to Richard Marshal's meddling that is desired," Adam growled.
"What do you mean?" Simon asked.
"If Richard cries out against thiswould that not be a reason to seize him? If Richard were kept prisoner like de Burgh, is there another of sufficient courage and stature to oppose Winchester?"
There was an appalled silence. Geoffrey's lips moved as if to protest that Henry was not as treacherous as his father, but he did not say the words. Henry had gone to pray with Hubert de Burgh, had kissed his lips and said he was all his strength and only on him could reliance be placedand a week later de Burgh was a prisoner. It would not be open treachery to take Richard prisoner if a shadow of a reason could be presented, and, in the heat of argument about the "wrong" done Bassett, no doubt more than a shadow of defiance and rage would be shown.
"He must be warned," Simon cried, leaping to his feet.
His own ties with the Marshal family were closest since Lady Pembroke had died, ending Alinor's friendship of many years. Simon did not know Richard very well because the Earl of Pembroke's second son had spent most of his life in France; the French estates were to be his. Nonetheless, Simon could not ignore the possibility that his former master's brother would fall into a trap.
"Yes, he must be warned," Ian agreed, "but I have not the faintest idea of where he is. I had intended to

 
< previous page page_59 next page >