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his duty. In addition, he had some problems he wanted to discuss with someone. Ordinarily he would have ridden down to Roselynde or to Iford for advice, but he felt he should not leave Sir Henry for the several days necessary. |
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Simon disclaimed any knowledge of the management of land, but the truth was that he had absorbed a great deal of information simply by living with Ian and Alinor. After Sir Harold described the problem, Simon began to think he might have something useful to offer. There really was no need to hurry back to Wales if Rhiannon was willing to stay. |
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Rarely had so simple, kind, and seemingly harmless a decision precipitated so much mischief. In the beginning, everything was innocent enough. Sir Henry was so flattered by Simon's bringing his betrothed to visit and so enlivened by Rhiannon's company that he took a new lease on life. Also, she suggested and taught a few new treatments to the maids who attended the old man, easing his pain. Seeing him so well, Sir Harold asked Simon if he would spend the night at a neighboring keep. A mild dispute over hunting the forest west of Kingsclere had arisen. Sir Harold felt that the presence, of his overlord's son might lend force to his claim. Rhiannon was agreeable, and it was decided that Sir Harold and Simon would go the next day. |
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There were times, after the king was forced to give orders to return de Burgh to the church, when the Bishop of Winchester wondered whether the task he had set himself was possible or worth doing. He had believed that when de Burgh was overthrown, little more would be necessary than to show Henry the way. He knew the king to be intelligent. He had not remembered, he now realized, that Henry was also less interested in governing than in music, art, and other amusements. He was controlled by his emotions, and of a weak and vacillating temperament made even |
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