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"Then I am forgiven? When I heard that Wales had flown to arms, instead of thinking of our dead men-at-arms and the destruction of our plans against France, all I could think was that Ian would be bound to Ireland for God knows how long and for that long we could not marry." |
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"But you can think more clearly now?" Joanna asked, her voice trembling between indignation and amusement. |
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"No!" Geoffrey exploded. "That is not the same as" He caught her expression, and shed the false humility he had assumed. "I tell you, it is time we were married. You must be sure by now whether you can make a life with me. You must write to your mother and tell her we wish to be wed." |
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Slowly, reluctantly, Joanna shook her head. "You say it was only to protect me that we were betrothed instead of married, but that cannot be. I told my mother and Ian, as soon as they named you to me, that I was content and ready. I never had a doubt. After all, Geoffrey, you were not unknown to me. There must be some other cause." |
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"I tell you, there is not. Ian made it plain to me and to my father that" |
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"Your father," Joanna murmured. "Do not be angry, but is it not possible that Ian had something in his mind he could not tell your father? I do not mean for lack of trust, but for fear of hurting him?" |
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"It is possible," he answered unwillingly, "butDamn you, Joanna, do you not care? Do you feel nothing for me?" |
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"How ridiculous! You must know my body answers yours. What did you think I was trying to do before?" |
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"You might have been trying to free yourself," Geoffrey answered doubtfully, and then, when Joanna laughed, he was flattered and smiled back. "I was too busy with my own concerns," he admitted, "to think much about anything." |
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The confession that Joanna desired him soothed Geoffrey. At the time, he did not think of the careful distinction she had made. He was currently so much absorbed by the body's need that he did not consider what more would be |
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