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Page 209
other men should be so hot against it that Richard must yield to them, I will come to you myself or send Siorl. He can speak enough French to make himself understood. Before I go, tell me how everyone is at home."
"All well when I last heard. Ian is still in the north, just barely keeping his men from rushing down here and attacking our rear. Joanna is at Hemel. Your mother is riding the south holdings to keep them quiet, andoh, I have a funny story for you. You know that old Sir Henry is too old for his duties, far too old. Naturally your mother would not turn him out, but there must be a new castellan. Lady Alinor chose Sir Harold, Giles of Iford's youngest son, to succeed at Kingsclere. He knew Sir Henry and will be kind enough to pretend deference and not hurt the old man. Unfortunately, Sir Harold is here with me, and it would cause Sir Henry great distress to put in a temporary castellan, so Sybelle is at Kingsclere. She is very clever at making her decisions look as though she were taking his advice."
Simon grinned at Geoffrey, who laughed back. Sir Henry was a total blockhead. He had been a strong fighter, was absolutely loyal and honest, but advice from him would be more likely to cause a disaster than to be of any help. Still, he had known how to defend his lady's lands, to recognize unauthorized encroachments, and to mete out simple justice. Now he was too old and too crippled to ride out, but his mistress had not forgotten his good service and was ready to do her best for him even at considerable inconvenience to herself.
"You remember," Geoffrey went on, that the king disseisined Gilbert Bassett of Upavon"
"Geoffrey," Simon protested, "do you think I am so addle-witted that I do not remember why I must come to speak to you under safe conduct?"
There was a brief, eloquent silence. Geoffrey's lips

 
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