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Page 174
Wales, even some places where I was once a guestand all for no purpose. But now you have said something of importance that I had missed. For Wales, and even for England, this may not fall out so ill. If they cast off John's influence, they will run back to Llewelyn. He may well gather all Wales under his power, but he will remember. He will do nothing that can arouse the English barons to fury. He will stay in Wales. Thus, if they fall only on the king's strongholds"
"We cannot trust to that."
"Certainly not. Sir Peter must be warned to prepare. I think it scarce likely any will attack Clyro, but when it is seen he is stuffed and garnished for war, it will be even more certain they will avoid this place."
The last words were muffled as Joanna pulled a shirt over Geoffrey's head. When his face emerged it had darkened again.
"I am a fool," he continued. "What will happen in Wales will happen and, as you have been too kind to say, it is of little importance to us except in the hurt to my pride. I should pay attention to my own affairs. Joanna" Geoffrey caught her hands just before she turned away to take the belt of his robe from the chest where it lay. "Joanna, I am afraid."
She looked up at him, her eyes widening. This was no fear for which one could feel contempt. Geoffrey's mind had looked upon Armageddon. "What?" she asked, her breath trembling through open mouth.
"The king will drive the barons to open rebellion, and it will be soon, and II hate him. My gorge rises in his presence when he speaks to melies, all lieswith that smooth voice, and yet I know I must stand with him. There is no one else strong enough andand much as I hate to say ithe is not so bad a king to the realm at large. But the barons fear him. They only fear him. It is not as with Henry or Richard where the fear was much mixed with love. There is no love for John, except in my poor father, no love at all, even in those most loyal to him."

 
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