The censures of the Church on Eleanor's breach of a vow of chaste widowhood which she had made at her first husband's death were averted with hardly less difficulty by a journey to Rome.

It was after a year of trouble that Simon returned to England to reap as it seemed the fruits of his high alliance.

He was now formally made Earl of Leicester and re-entered the Royal Council.

But it is probable that he still found there the old jealousy which had forced from him a pledge of retirement after his marriage; and that his enemies now succeeded in winning over the king.

In a few months, at any rate, he found the changeable king alienated from him, he was driven by a burst of royal passion from the realm, and was forced to spend seven months in France.
[Sidenote: Simon's early action] Henry's anger passed as quickly as it had risen, and in the spring of 1240 the Earl was again received with honour at court.