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"An expensive piece of mischief. No, what Llewelyn really wants is news." |
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"Nonsense," Alinor replied irritably. "What news can we give him? We have not been near Henry since last summer. Llewelyn must know that even Geoffrey has avoided the king since Henry broke his oath to Richard." |
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"I do not think Llewelyn needs news of Henry," Ian pointed out. "I am sure he has spies in that area, perhaps in Gloucester keep itself, to tell him what Henry says and does. What Llewelyn wants is news of England, of the temper of the barons and of the clergy." He grinned, looking for a moment boyish despite the marks of advancing age. ''Llewelyn wants to know how much longer he has to stuff his coffers with the loot of raids before the king offers Richard peace." |
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Alinor's hand rested on her husband's shoulder. The sparkle of green and gold went out of her fine eyes, leaving them dark. "Will there be peace soon, Ian?" |
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He covered her hand with his own. "Soon? That I cannot say, but I have hope, dear heart. As you know, Henry is not one to stick to a purpose when it becomes dangerous or even uncomfortable to do so. Moreover, he fears the disapproval of the Church." |
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"Not with the Bishop of Winchester to assure him constantly that he is doing right." Alinor dropped a kiss on her husband's temple and went back to her seat. |
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"But I think the choice of Edmund of Abingdon to be Archbishop of Canterbury will change that," Ian said. "Edmund is no man's creature, and he will not fear to speak out urging conciliation on both sides" |
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"Which every bishop who is not Winchester's henchman has been doing for near a year," Alinor interrupted impatiently, her eyes sparkling again. |
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Ian smiled at her. "But Henry's belief is strong, and Edmund will have the primacy of the Church about him even if he has not yet received the pall." |
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"So Edmund is holy," Alinor agreed, "yet he cannot be more holy than the Bishop of London, and Roger has not been able to bring about a reconciliation." |
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"Because Roger is a bishop as Winchester is a bishop," Ian said. "In the king's mind, neither is closer to God, although it must be apparent to the whole world else that |
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