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were pleased with their designed proposal of their daughter, king Henry returned from Normandy, having concluded his business there, and made peace with France, and with his sons. This made Rosamond indifferent to the Lord Fitzwalter, who, by permission of her father, was at their mansion. She told him she had a greater kindness for him, than to expose him to the king’s resentment: for she was sure whoever addressed her must suffer the king’s anger. This was such a blow to the young lord, as quickly cooled his love ; for he had no mind to have the king for his rival. Before he went away he told Rosamond’s father how he had been dismissed, who then perceiving there was no trusting to what she said, resolved to take another course and save her from impending ruin, though against her will; and to that end, in two days time, ordered a coach to be got ready, and every thing prepared for a long journey; and then calling for Alethea, Rosamond’s false governess, of whom they had not the least mistrust, told her their thoughts of the king’s love to Rosamond, and to what misery it would expose her, that she and Ro- samond to-morrow morning must, with all privacy imaginable, depart from hence to Cornwall, unto a kinsman’s there, near to Lancaston; there she may live in private undiscovered till the king’s affec- tions are diverted, or placed upon some other beauty.” The next morning Rosamond and her governess set out for Cornwall, and in a few days came to her kinsman’s house, where they were well receiv- ed. King Henry having intelligence thereof, re- solved to have her out of their hands, and there- upon sent for her uncle, and told him he had a piece of service to command of him, in which he would expect to be punctually obeyed. That noble- man told him, he hoped he would not question his
