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"I am the Lady Joanna of Roselynde and I have paid your ransom. The fight had nothing to do with you. That was a private matter and need be no concern of yours. |
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Sir Léon plumped down on the ground as if the strength had gone out of his legs. "Paid my ranson," he breathed, "Why?" |
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"Because your wife holds my husband and she would not agree to free him unless I brought you as well as the money." |
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"My wife? Gilliane?" There was blank incredulity in Sir Léon's face. |
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Astonished at his surprise, Joanna raised her brows. "Is there some reason why your wife should not desire to have you back?" |
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Before he could reply to the provocative question, Sir Guy came to ask Joanna if she wished to eat or drink. His deferential manner and the fact that he served Joanna himself and then discreetly withdrew out of earshot, made Sir Léon's eyes open. |
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"The lord of Roselynde must be a great man," he said. |
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"There is no lord of Roselynde," Joanna snapped. "My mother is the lady of Roselynde. I will be the lady after her, and my daughterGod grant me onewill be lady after me. My husband is Lord Geoffrey Fitz William. His sons may have his lands." |
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For a minute that proud speech held Sir Léon mute. He blinked, cleared his throat, and recalled his mind with some effort to what was more essential to him than the inconceivable fact of a woman with power and the will to use it. |
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"You will be free when Lord Geoffrey is by my side." |
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"But how is that to be managed? I will give parole gladly, of course, but it will be difficult for me" |
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"You have nothing to say or to do except by my order," Joanna remarked succinctly, "until, as I said, Lord Geoffrey is at liberty. I will take you to France and to your keep, and I will hold you straitly until my husband is released." |
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"You will take me to France? Butbuta woman I |
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