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know the contents of the letter. She informed him briefly of her purpose. The priest gaped, both at the manner and the intention. He was even more surprised when, to Sir Guy's protests that there was no need for her to go, she replied sharply, "Do not be a fool. Why should Sir Léon be brought back here? I will take ship with him as far east as possible. The less time we are in the narrow sea, the less chance a French ship will come upon us. I will take as little risk as I can. And for that same reason, I wish to land in Flanders rather than a French port." |
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"Lady Joanna," Sir Guy groaned, "you are not going to France. I beg you to think again. We are still at war with Philip. There is no treaty, not even a truce as yet. If you are taken" |
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"I do not intend to be taken. Do not waste my time. I have much to do before I leave with the sun tomorrow." |
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"My child," the priest expostulated, "whence is this haste? And, indeed, it is not safe" His voice cut off, If Satan had been female, just so must have the AntiChrist looked when thrust out of heaven. A face of blazing beauty, surrounded by the red flames of her hair, but every feature marked with such pride! Such fury! |
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Sir Guy shuddered. How had he ever deluded himself there was a hair of difference between the mother and the daughter? He had heard that cry before. Well, he would argue no more. If she said she would go to hell, he would do his best to get her there safely. |
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"He is mine," Joanna repeated more softly, looking significantly at the priest, "and I do not choose that my lord should be in the power of any other person for one day, one hour, one minute longer than is absolutely needful." |
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The priest said nothing; Joanna's jaw set hard. Lady Gilliane wanted her husband, did she? Well, Geoffrey would come safe away first or Sir Léon would return to his wife in a set of basketsfingers and toes in one, arms and legs in another, and so forth. She turned away and gestured servants to her and the orders flew like hail. The maids ran to |
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