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"You meant well to King Henry and have lost thereby. I cannot do much for you now. However, in the end the king must triumph because he has the wealth and power of the whole nation. When that time comes, there will be an accounting, and those who were King Henry's enemies, whether avowed or secret, will be exposed and punished; likewise, his friends will be rewarded." |
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"So do I hope," Heribert said bleakly, "but until then what am I to do? I have near fifty men in my troop. How am I to feed them? If I turn them loose" |
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"That will not be necessary," Winchester interrupted. "For the present, I will take themand youinto my household." |
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Sir Heribert relaxed and smiled. "Thank you, my lord. Be sure that I will serve you in any way I can, and gladly." |
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At the time the agreement was made, Sir Heribert was delighted. He knew the bishop was the most powerful man in the kingdom. Although from time to time the king liked to play at ruling, it was no secret he soon grew bored with the details of governing. Thus, in all but name, Winchester ruled England as Hubert de Burgh had ruled before him. Sir Heribert thought he had put his foot on the first rung of the ladder of success. |
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He was so pleased that he actually felt apologetic for the curses he had called down on Marie's head. Stupid though she was, she had started him in this direction. Then he recalled that he had promised to send her news of what had happened. Why not? he thought. She would be angry if he broke his word, and she might be useful again in the future. There could be no danger to Sir Heribert if Sir Palance de Tours wrote a letter to Lady Marie de les Maures. |
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So the letter was sent, vague enough so that anyone who read it could determine no more than that Sir Palance had gone where he said he would when he spoke to Marie and had been well received there. "The business you desired me to perform," he wrote, "cannot yet be done. However, I have received a promise from the bishop himself that he will urge it as soon as the opportunity presents itself." And, being that there was space on the sheet he had chosen, Heribert filled it with warm thanks and flowery compliments. They cost nothing. |
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Some ten days later, Heribert was far less pleased with his |
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