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Page 269
admitted, a little uncomfortable but again driven to confession by Alinor's kindness. "She strung the loom soon after Simon first came to visit us. Iperhaps she had some premonition that I would need a grand dress different from those I usually wear."
Alinor struggled with herself briefly and then said with a calm gravity that concealed amusement, "Your mother has foreseeings, but you do not."
"Oh, no, never," Rhiannon assured her, eager to clear herself of that suspect skill.
Simon had warned her that it was better not to bring such things into the open, and after that dreadful experience with Madog, Rhiannon was in complete agreement with him. But Alinor had not given witchcraft a thought. She was only amused. Alinor was quite sure Kicva had not foreseen any need for court dress, only for a marriage gownand that would not have taken much skill at foreseeing, considering Simon's behavior.
"There would not be time to make up a dress," Alinor said, "but there is nothing to fear. Among all of us, there will be clothing enough for you to borrow, if that is necessary."
The bath came in then, with its attendant train of men lugging water and maids carrying herbs and soap and drying cloths. Another maid carried a platter of cold meat and bread, since dinner was over and it would be some hours before the evening portions would be served. Alinor was much interested when, bathed and fed, Rhiannon assumed her full regalia. She had thought at first that it must be Rhiannon's resistance to him that had captivated Simon. Now she realized there was something much more important. There was a strangeness, a hint of the violent and barbaric past.
"There will be no mockery," Alinor said huskily. "The women of the court may be cruel out of envy, Rhiannon, but no one will laugh."

 
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